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“I HAVE STAKED MV HIGHEST CARD — 
AND LOST !” 


Page 259 


THAT 

MAINWARING AFFAIR 



THAT 

MAINWARING 

AFFAIR 

BY 

A. MAYNARD BARBOUR 

II 

AUTHOR OF ‘‘THE AWARD OF JUSTICE” 

ILLUSTRATED BY 

E. PLJISTED ABBOTT • 



PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY 

1908. 




Copyright, 1900 

BY 

J. B. Lippincott Company 




JieaTROTYPED AND PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA, U. 9, A, 









Tlnscribc& 


TO 

COLONEL WILBUR F. SANDERS 

THE 

^‘war-horse” 

OF 


THE TREASURE STATE 
BY 


THE AUTHOR 










CONTENTS 


¥¥ 

CHAPTER page 

I. — ^The Mainwarings 7 

II. — Fair Oaks . 14 

III. — The Last Will and Testament of Hugh Main- 

waring 21 

IV. — A Terrible Awakening 30 

V. — Important Discoveries 42 

VI. — ^The Inquest 49 

VII. — A Battle Royal 60 

VIII. — The Weaving of the Web 74 

IX. — ^Tangled Threads 86 

X. — Behind the Scenes 106 

XI. — Skirmishing 119 

XII. — X-Rays 135 

XIII. — ^Theories, Wise and Otherwise 157 

XIV. — The Exit of Scott, the Secretary 165 

XV. — Mutual Surprises 175 

XVI. — Mutual Explanations 185 

XVII. — Love finds a Way 197 

XVIII. — An Unforeseen Foe 206 

XIX. — Mutual Recognitions 220 

XX. — Opening Fire 227 

XXL — The Last Throw 245 

XXII. — Secession in the Ranks 260 

XXIII. — Flotsam and Jetsam 271 

XXIV. — Between the Acts 283 

XXV. — Run to Cover 302 

XXVI. — Mainwaring vs. Mainwaring 322 

XXVII. — The Silent Witness 340 












ILLUSTRATIONS 


¥¥ 

PAGE 

“I HAVE STAKED MY HIGHEST CaRD — AND LoST !” 

Frontispiece 

“You HAVE MADE A BiTTER EnEMY IN MrS. LaGRANGE,” 

She said, archly 84 

Hobson silently beckoned Scott to enter 125 

“Even He has turned against Me!” 146 



THAT 

MAINWARING AFFAIR 

if!- 

CHAPTER I 

THE MAINWARINGS 

The fierce sunlight of a sultry afternoon in the earlj 
part of July forced its way through every crevice and 
cranny of the closely drawn shutters in the luxuriouF 
private offices of Mainwaring & Co., Stock Brokers, and 
slender shafts of light, darting here and there, lent a rich 
glow of color to the otherwise subdued tones of the ele- 
gant apartments. 

A glance at the four occupants of one of these rooms, 
who had disposed themselves in various attitudes according 
to their individual inclinations, revealed the fact that three 
out of the four were Englishmen, while the fourth might 
have been denominated as a typical American from the 
professional class. Of rather slender form, with a face of 
rare sensitiveness and delicacy, and restless, penetrating 
eyes, his every movement indicated energy and alertness. 
On the present occasion he had little to say, but was en- 
gaged in listening attentively to the conversation of the 
others. 

Beside a rosewood desk, whose belongings, arranged with 
mathematical precision, indicated the methodical business 
habits of its owner, sat Hugh Mainwaring, senior member 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


of the firm of Mainwaring & Co., a man approaching his 
fiftieth birthday. His dress and manners, less pronoun- 
cedly English than those of the remaining two, betokened 
the polished man of the world as well as the shrewd finan- 
cier. He wore an elegant business suit and his linen was 
immaculate ; his hair, dark and slightly tinged with gray, 
was closely cut ; his smoothly shaven face, less florid than 
those of his companions, was particularly noticeable on 
account of a pair of dark gray eyes, cold and calculating, 
and which had at times a steel-like glitter. Though an 
attractive face, it was not altogether pleasing; it was too 
sensuous, and indicated stubbornness and self-will rather 
than firmness or strength. 

Half reclining upon a couch on the opposite side of the 
room, in an attitude more comfortable than graceful, 
leisurely smoking a fine Havana, was Ralph Mainwaring, 
of London, a cousin of the New York broker, who, at the 
invitation of the latter, was paying his first visit to the 
great western metropolis. Between the two cousins there 
were few points of resemblance. Both had the same cold, 
calculating gaze, which made one, subjected to its scrutiny, 
feel that he was being mentally weighed and measured and 
would, in all probability, be found lacking; but the Lon- 
doner possessed a more phlegmatic temperament. A year 
or two his cousin’s junior, he looked considerably younger, 
as his hair and heavy English side whiskers were unmixed 
with gray and he was inclined to stoutness. 

Seated near him, in an immense arm-chair which he 
filled admirably, was William Mainwaring Thornton, of 
London, also a guest of Hugh Mainwaring and distantly 
connected with the two cousins. He was the youngest of 
the three Englishmen and the embodiment of geniality. 
He was a blond of the purest type, and his beard, parted 
in the centre, was brushed back in two wavy, silken masses, 

8 


THE MAINWARINGS 


while his clear blue eyes, beaming with kindliness and 
good -humor, had the frankness of a child’s. 

Hugh Mainwaring, the sole heir to the family estate, 
soon after the death of his father, some twenty-five years 
previous to this time, became weary of the monotony of 
his English home-life, and, resolved upon making his per- 
manent home in one of the large eastern cities of the 
United States and embarking upon the uncertain and 
treacherous seas of speculation in the western world, had 
sold the estate which for a number of generations had been 
in the possession of the Mainwarings, and had come to 
America. In addition to his heavy capital, he had in- 
vested a large amount of keen business tact and ability ; 
his venture had met with almost phenomenal success and 
he had acquired immense wealth besides his inherited 
fortune. 

His more conservative cousin, Ralph Mainwaring, while 
never quite forgiving him for having disposed of the estate, 
had, nevertheless, with the shrewdness and foresight for 
which his family were noted, given to his only son the 
name of Hugh Mainwaring, confident that his American- 
English cousin would never marry, and hoping thereby to 
win back the old Mainwaring estate into his own line of 
the family. His bit of strategy had succeeded ; and now, 
after more than twenty years, his foresight and worldly 
wisdom were about to be rewarded, for the occasion of 
this reunion between the long-separated cousins was the 
celebration of the rapidly approaching fiftieth birthday of 
Hugh Mainwaring, at which time Hugh Mainwaring, Jr., 
would attain his majority, and in recognition of that happy 
event the New York millionaire broker had announced his 
intention of making his will in favor of his namesake, and 
on that day formally declaring him his lawful heir. 

This had been the object of the conference in the private 
9 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


office of Hugh Mainwaring, and now that it was over and 
all necessary arrangements had been made, that gentleman 
turned from his desk with a sigh of relief. 

l am heartily glad that this business is over,” he said, 
addressing his guests ; ‘‘it has been on my mind for some 
time, and I have consulted with Mr. Whitney about it,” 
with a slight nod towards the fourth gentleman, who was 
his attorney and legal adviser. “We have both felt that 
it should have been attended to before this ; and yet, as I 
considered this would be the most fitting time to make a 
final adjustment of affairs, I have on that account delayed 
longer than I otherwise would have done. Now every- 
thing is arranged in a manner satisfactory, I trust, to all 
parties immediately concerned, and nothing remains but 
to draw up and execute the papers, which will be done 
to-morrow. ’ ’ 

“You are not then troubled with any unpleasant super- 
stitions regarding the making of a will ?’ ’ commented Mr. 
Thornton. 

“No,” replied the other, slowly. “I am not of the 
opinion that it will hasten my exit from this world ; but 
even if it did, I would have the satisfaction of knowing 
that my own wishes would be carried out in the settlement 
of my estate, and that no one would derive any benefit 
from my demise excepting those whom I consider legally 
entitled thereto.” 

Ralph Mainwaring looked curiously at his cousin through 
half-closed eyes. 

“I suppose,” he remarked, very deliberately, “that 
even in case there were no will the property would revert 
to our branch of the family ; we are the nearest of kin, 
you know. ’ ’ 

“Yes, I know your family would be considered the 
lawful heirs,” Hugh Mainwaring replied, while he and 

lO 


THE MAINWARINGS 


Mr. Whitney exchanged glances; “but this is not Eng- 
land ; here any common adventurer might come forward 
with some pretended claim against the estate, and I prefer 
to see affairs definitely settled in my own way. ’ ’ 

“Of course,” responded the other, resuming his cigar. 
“Well, speaking for myself, I am more than willing to 
relinquish any share I might have had for the boy’s sake, 
and I don’t suppose, Thornton, that you have any objec- 
tions to raise on Edith’s account.” 

“Oh, no, no,” replied that gentleman, with a pleasant 
laugh. “I never considered Hugh a bad son-in-law to 
begin with, but I’ll admit he is a little more attractive 
now than ever.” 

The little clock on the marble mantel chimed the hour 
of four, causing a general movement of surprise. 

“ ’Pon my soul! I had no idea it was that late,” ex- 
claimed Mr. Thornton, taking out his watch, while Hugh 
Mainwaring, touching an electric button, replied, — 

“This business has detained us much longer than I 
anticipated. I will give some instructions to the head 
clerk, and we will leave at once. ’ ’ 

He had scarcely finished speaking, when a door opened 
noiselessly and a middle-aged man appeared. 

“Parsons,” said Mr. Mainwaring, addressing him in 
quick, incisive tones, “lam going out to Fair Oaks, and 
probably shall not be at the office for two or three days, 
unless something of unusual importance should demand 
my presence. Refer all business callers to Mr. Elliott 
or Mr. Chittenden. Any personal calls, if specially im- 
portant, just say that I can be found at Fair Oaks. ’ ’ 

Parsons bowed gravely, and after a few further instruc- 
tions retired. 

“Now, Mr. Whitney,” Hugh Mainwaring continued, at 
the same time touching another electric button, “you, of 

II 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

course, will be one of our party at Fair Oaks ; my secre- 
tary will accompany us, and the papers will be drawn up 
to-morrow in my private library, after which you will do 
us the honor to join us in the pleasures of the following 
day. ’ * 

‘‘I am at your service, Mr. Mainwaring,” responded 
the attorney; ^^but,” he added, in low tones, intended 
only for Hugh Mainwaring’ s ear, but which were heard 
distinctly by the private secretary, now standing beside the 
desk, would it not be better to draw up the will here, in 
your private office? My presence at the house on the 
present occasion might attract attention and arouse some 
suspicions as to your intentions. ’ ’ 

** That makes no difference,” replied Hugh Mainwaring, 
quickly, but also speaking in a low tone; ‘^my private 
papers are all at the house, and I choose that this business 
shall be conducted there. I believe that I am master in 
my own house yet. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney bowed in acquiescence, and Hugh Main- 
waring turned to his secretary, — 

** Mr. Scott, just close up everything in the office as 
quickly as possible and get ready to accompany me to Fair 
Oaks ; I shall need you there for two or three days. ’ ’ 

It was not the first time the private secretary had accom- 
panied Mr. Mainwaring to his elegant suburban residence, 
and he understood perfectly what was expected of him, and 
immediately withdrew to make his preparations as expedi- 
tiously as possible. 

For some reason, which Hugh Mainwaring had never 
stopped to explain even to himself, he always accorded to 
his private secretary much more respect and consideration 
than to any one of his other numerous employees. 

Harry Scott was not only a young man of superior edu- 
cation and good breeding, but what particularly impressed 

12 


THE MAINWARINGS 


his employer in his favor was a certain natural reserve which 
caused him to hold himself aloof from his associates in the 
offices of Mainwaring & Co., and an innate refinement 
and delicacy which kept him, under all circumstances, 
from any gaucherie on the one hand, or undue familiarity 
on the other ; he was always respectful but never servile. 
He had been in the employ of Hugh Mainwaring for a 
little more than a year, and, having frequently accompanied 
him to Fair Oaks to remain for a day or two, was, conse- 
quently, quite familiar with the house and grounds. 

As he re-entered the room, having exchanged his busi- 
ness suit for one more suitable to the occasion, there was 
not one present but what instinctively, though perhaps 
unconsciously, recognized in him a true gentleman and 
treated him as such. Tall, with a splendid physique, 
finely shaped head, dark hair, and eyes of peculiar beauty, 
he was far from being the least attractive member of the 
party which, a few moments later, entered the Mainwaring 
carriage, with its coat of arms, and rolled away in the 
direction of Fair Oaks. 


CHAPTER II 


FAIR OAKS 

The home of Hugh Mainwaring was one of many 
palatial suburban residences situated on a beautiful avenue 
running in a northerly direction from the city, but it had 
not been for so many years in his possession without 
acquiring some of the characteristics of its owner, which 
gave it an individuality quite distinct from its elegant 
neighbors. It had originally belonged to one of the oldest 
and wealthiest families in the county, for a strictly modern 
house, without a vestige of antiqueness lingering in its halls 
and with no faint aroma of bygone days pervading its 
atmosphere, would have been entirely too plebeian to suit 
the tastes of Hugh Mainwaring. 

From the street to the main entrance a broad driveway 
wound beneath the interlacing boughs of a double line of 
giant oaks, from which the place had derived its name. 
Beautiful grounds extended in every direction, and in the 
rear of the mansion sloped gently to the edge of a small 
lake. Facing the west was the main entrance to the house, 
which was nearly surrounded by a broad veranda, com- 
manding a fine view, not only of the grounds and imme- 
diately surrounding country, but also of the Hudson River, 
not far distant. 

The southwestern portion of the building contained the 
private rooms of Hugh Mainwaring, including what was 
known as the tower,” and had been added by him soon 
after he had taken possession of the place. This part of 

14 


FAIR OAKS 


the house was as far removed as possible from the large 
reception-rooms, and the apartments on the second floor 
comprised the suite occupied by Mr. Mainwaring. The 
first of these rooms, semi -octagonal in form, constituted 
his private library, and its elegant furnishings and costly 
volumes, lining the walls from floor to ceiling, bespoke the 
wealth and taste of the owner. Across the southwestern 
side of this room heavy portieres partially concealed the 
entrance to what Mr. Mainwaring denominated his ^‘sanc- 
tum sanctorum,” the room in the tower. This was small, 
of circular form, and contained an immense desk, one or 
two revolving bookcases, and a large safe, which held his 
private papers and, it was rumored, the old Mainwaring 
jewels. Back of the library was a smoking-room, and in 
the rear of that Mr. Mainwaring’s dressing-rooms and 
sleeping apartments. 

This suite of rooms was connected with the remainder 
of the building by a long corridor extending from the 
main hall, but there was on the south side of the house an 
entrance and stairway leading directly to these rooms, the 
upper hall opening into the library and smoking-room. 
From this southern entrance a gravelled walk led between 
lines of shrubbery to a fine grove, which extended back 
and downward to the western shore of the small lake 
already mentioned. 

But the especially distinguishing characteristic of Fair 
Oaks since coming into the possession of Hugh Mainwaring 
was the general air of exclusion pervading the entire place. 
The servants, with the exception of “Uncle Mose,” the 
colored man having charge of the grounds, were imported, 
— the head cook being a Frenchman, the others either Eng- 
lish or Irish, and, from butler to chambermaid, one and all 
seemed to have acquired the reserve which characterized 
their employer. 

IS 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Comparatively few servants were employed and few were 
needed, for never, until the present occasion, had Fair 
Oaks been thrown open to guests. Occasionally Mr. 
Mainwaring brought out from the city two or three gentle- 
man friends, whom he entertained in royal fashion. Some- 
times these guests were accompanied by their wives, but 
such instances were extremely rare, as ladies were seldom 
seen at Fair Oaks. 

In the entertainment of these occasional guests Mr. 
Mainwaring was frequently assisted by Mrs. LaGrange, 
known as his housekeeper, but in reality holding a position 
much more advanced than is usually implied by that term. 
Among those who had been personally entertained by Mrs. 
LaGrange, this fact, of itself, excited little comment; it 
being evident that she was as familiar with the fashionable 
world as was their host himself, but surrounding her was 
the same dim haze of mystery that seemed to envelop the 
entire place, impalpable, but thus far impenetrable. 

She had come to Fair Oaks some fifteen years previous 
to this time, dressed in deep mourning, accompanied by 
her infant son, about three years of age, and it was gener- 
ally understood that she was distantly related to Mr. Main- 
waring. She was a strikingly handsome woman, with that 
type of physical beauty which commands admiration, rather 
than winning it ; tall, with superb form and carriage, rich 
olive skin, large dark eyes, brilliant as diamonds and as 
cold, but which could become luminous with tenderness or 
fiery with passion, as occasion required. To those whom 
she sought to entertain she could be extremely charming, 
but to a few even of these, gifted with deeper insight than 
the others, it seemed that beneath that fascinating manner 
was a dangerous nature, a will that would brook no restraint, 
that never would be thwarted ; and that this was, in reality, 
the power which dominated Fair Oaks. 

i6 


FAIR OAKS 


After years of mysterious seclusion, however, the beauti- 
ful home of Hugh Mainwaring, while maintaining its usual 
reserve towards its neighbors, had thrown open its doors to 
guests from across the water ; and on the particular after- 
noon of the conference in the private offices of Main- 
waring & Co., there might have been seen on one of the 
upper balconies of the mansion at Fair Oaks a group of 
five English ladies, engaged in a discussion of their first 
impressions regarding their host and his American home. 
The group consisted of Mrs. Ralph Mainwaring and her 
daughter Isabel; Miss Edith Thornton, the daughter of 
William Mainwaring Thornton and the fiancee of Hugh 
Mainwaring, Jr. ; Miss Winifred Carleton, a cousin of 
Miss Thornton ; and Mrs. Hogarth, the chaperone of the 
last named young ladies. 

Understanding, as they did, the occasion of this their 
first visit to the western world, and being personally inter- 
ested in the happy event so soon to be celebrated, they 
naturally felt great interest in their new surroundings. 
The young ladies were especially enthusiastic in their 
expressions of admiration of the house and grounds, while 
Mrs. Mainwaring, of even more phlegmatic temperament 
than her husband, remarked that it was a fine old place, 
really much finer than she expected to see, which was quite 
an admission on her part. 

It is just as lovely as it can be !” said Winifred Carle- 
ton, coming from the railing, where she had been watching 
the broad expanse of ocean visible in the distance, and 
seating herself on a divan beside her cousin. I do think, 
Edith, you are the most fortunate girl in the world, and I 
congratulate you with all my heart. ’ ’ 

Thank you, Winnie,” replied Miss Thornton, a pro- 
nounced blonde like her father, with large, childlike blue 
eyes; ‘‘but it will be yours to enjoy as much as mine, for 

2 17 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


you will always be with me ; at least, till you are married, 
you know.” 

‘ ‘ That is a very reckless declaration on your part, for I 
am likely never to marry,” responded Miss Carleton, 
lightly. She was an orphan and an heiress, but had a 
home in the family of William Mainwaring Thornton, who 
was her uncle and guardian. 

Isabel Mainwaring, reclining in a hammock near Miss 
Thornton, smiled languidly. She was tall, with dark hair 
and the Mainwaring cold, gray eyes. ‘‘You seem to ignore 
the fact,” she said, “ that our cousin is likely to live in the 
exclusive enjoyment of his home for many years to come. ’ ’ 

“You mercenary wretch!” retorted Miss Carleton; 
“are you already counting the years before Mr. Main- 
waring’ s death ?” 

“Isabel, I am shocked I” exclaimed Mrs. Mainwaring. 

“I don’t know why,” replied that young lady, coolly. 
“I was only thinking, mamma; and one is not always 
accountable for one’s thoughts, you know.” 

“But,” said Miss Thornton, wonderingly, raising her 
large eyes, full of inquiry, to Mrs. Mainwaring, “after 
our cousin has announced his intention of making Hugh 
his heir, don’t you think he will be likely to extend other 
invitations to visit Fair Oaks?” 

“Undoubtedly, my dear,” replied Mrs. Mainwaring, 
“there will probably be an exchange of courtesies between 
the two branches of the family from this time. Though 
I must say,” she added, in a lower tone, and turning to 
Mrs. Hogarth, “ I do not know that I, for one, will be 
particularly anxious to repeat my visit when this celebration 
is once over. So far as I can judge, there seems to be no 
society here. Wilson has learned from the servants that 
Mr. Mainwaring lives very quietly, in fact, receives no 
company whatever; and, I may be mistaken, but it cer- 

iS 


FAIR OAKS 


tainly seems to me that this Mrs. LaGrange occupies rather 
an anomalous position. She is here as his housekeeper, a 
servant, yet she entertains his guests, and her manners are 
anything but those of a servant. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Why shouldn’t she, mamma?” inquired Isabel, rather 
abruptly. “ Cousin Hugh has never married, — which is a 
very good thing for us, by the way, — and who would help 
him entertain if his housekeeper did not ?’ ’ 

*‘It is not her position to which I object so much,” 
remarked Mrs. Hogarth, quietly, ** though I admit it seems 
rather peculiar, but there is something about her own per- 
sonality that impresses me very unfavorably. ’ ’ 

‘‘In your opinion, then, she is not a proper person,” 
said Mrs. Mainwaring, who was fond of jumping at con- 
clusions; “well, I quite agree with you.” 

“No,” said Mrs. Hogarth, with a smile, “I have not 
yet formed so decided an opinion as that. I am not pre- 
pared to say that she is a bad woman, but I believe she is 
a very dangerous woman. ’ ’ 

“ Dear Mrs. Hogarth, how mercilessly you always scatter 
my fancies to the winds ! ’ ’ exclaimed Miss Thornton ; 
“until this moment I admired Mrs. LaGrange very much.” 

“I did not,” said Miss Carleton, quickly; “from my 
first glimpse of her she has seemed to me like a malign 
presence about the place, a veritable serpent in this beauti- 
ful Eden!” 

“Well,” said Isabel Mainwaring, with a slight shrug, 
“I see no reason for any concern regarding Mrs. La- 
Grange, whatever she may be. I don’t suppose she will 
be entailed upon Hugh with the property ; and I only hope 
that before long we can buy baqk the old Mainwaring 
estate into our own branch of the family. ’ ’ 

“That is just wbat your father intends to have done 
whenever the property comes into Hugh’s possession,” 

19 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


replied Mrs. Mainwaring, and was about to say something 
further, when a musical whistle attracted the attention of 
the ladies, and, looking over the balcony railing, they saw 
Hugh Mainwaring, Jr,, approaching the house, on his 
return from a day’s fishing, accompanied by Walter La- 
Grange, a young sophomore, home on his vacation. 

The former was a typical young Englishman, with a 
frank, pleasant countenance. The latter, while inheriting 
his mother’s beauty and resembling her in a marked de- 
gree, yet betrayed in his face a weakness which indicated 
that, lacking ability to plan and execute for himself, he 
would become a ready tool to aid in carrying out the 
designs of others. 

The ladies, having discovered the hour to be much later 
than they supposed, and knowing that the gentlemen would 
soon return from the city, speedily adjourned to their 
dressing-rooms to prepare for dinner. 


20 


CHAPTER III 


THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HUGH MAINWARING 

Immediately after breakfast the following morning, Hugh 
Mainwaring, having excused himself to his guests, retired 
to his private library, in company with his secretary and 
Mr. Whitney, his attorney. A number of fine saddle- 
horses having been brought around from the stables, the 
young people cantered gayly down the oak-lined avenue, 
intent upon a morning ride, their voices echoing musically 
through the grounds. The elderly people, after a short 
chat, gradually dispersed. Mrs. Mainwaring retired to her 
room for her accustomed morning nap ; Mrs. Hogarth 
sought the large library and was soon absorbed in the 
works of , her favorite author, while Ralph Mainwaring and 
Mr. Thornton strolled up and down the gravelled walks, 
enjoying their cigars. 

*^This is a very good bit of property,” remarked Mr. 
Mainwaring at length, running his eye with cold scrutiny 
over the mansion and grounds ; taking into consideration 
the stocks and bonds and various business interests that 
will go with it, it will make a fine windfall for the boy. ’ ’ 
‘‘That it will, and Hugh certainly is a lucky dog !” re- 
sponded Mr. Thornton ; “ but you seem to have some defi- 
nite knowledge regarding our cousin’s finances ; has he 
given you any idea as to what he is really worth ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ He ? Not a word. ’ ’ Then noting an expression of sur- 
prise on his companion’s face, Mr. Mainwaring continued. 
“I have a number of business acquaintances on this side 

21 ^ 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


the water, and you may rest assured I have kept myself 
well posted as to the way things were going all these years. 
I have had something of this kind in view all the time. ’ * 
might have known it,” replied Mr. Thornton, 
with an amused smile. ‘‘I never yet saw a Mainwaring 
who did not understand how to feather his own nest. 
Well, as you say, it is a fine piece of property; but, do 
you know, Mainwaring, it strikes me that the old boy seems 
a bit anxious to get it disposed of according to his own 
liking as quickly as possible. ’ ’ 

It does look that way,” the other acknowledged. 

‘‘Well, now, doesn’t that seem a little peculiar, when, 
with no direct heirs that we know of, the property would 
in any case revert to your family?” 

Ralph Mainwaring puffed in silence for a few moments, 
then removing his cigar and slowing knocking off the ashes, 
he replied very deliberately, — 

“It is my opinion that he and that attorney of his 
are aware of some possible claimants, of whom we know 
nothing. ’ ’ 

“That is my idea exactly,” said Mr. Thornton; “and, 
don’t you know, it has occurred to me that possibly, un- 
known to us, Harold Mainwaring may have left a child, 
whose existence is known to Hugh.” 

“That would cut no figure in this case,” Mr. Mainwar- 
ing answered, quickly. “Even had there been a living 
child, — which there was not, — he could make no claim 
whatever, for Harold was disinherited by his father’s 
will.” 

“Yes, I know the old gentleman disinherited Harold, 
but would his heirs have no claim ?’ ’ 

“ Not under that will. I was present when it was read, 
and I remember it debarred ‘both him and his heirs, 
forever.’ ” 


22 


THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT 


“Poor Harold!” said Mr. Thornton, after a moment’s 
silence ; “he was the elder son, was he not?” 

“Yes, and his father’s favorite. It broke the old man’s 
heart to disinherit him. He failed rapidly after that oc- 
curred, and he never was the same towards Hugh. I al- 
ways thought that accounted for Hugh’s selling the old 
place as he did; it had too many unpleasant memo- 
ries. ’ ’ 

‘ * Harold died soon after that unfortunate marriage, I 
believe. ’ ’ 

“ Yes ; he learned too late the character of the woman 
he had married, and after the death of their only child, he 
left her, and a few years later was lost at sea. ’ ’ 

“Well,” continued Mr. Thornton, after a pause, “have 
you the remotest idea as to who these possible claimants 
against the property may be ?’ ’ 

“Only the merest suspicion, as yet too vague even to 
mention ; but I think a day or two will probably enable me 
to determine whether I am correct or not. ’ ’ 

At that moment, Harry Scott, the private secretary, 
appeared, with a message to the gentlemen from Hugh 
Mainwaring, to the effect that he would like to have them 
join himself and Mr. Whitney in his library. 

As they passed around to the southern entrance with the 
secretary, they did not observe a closed carriage coming 
swiftly up the driveway, nor a tall, slender man, with ca- 
daverous features and sharp, peering eyes, who alighted 
and hastily rang for admittance. But two hours later, as 
Mr. Thornton was descending the winding stairway in the 
main hall, he caught a glimpse of the strange caller, just 
taking his departure. The stranger, hearing footsteps, 
turned towards Mr. Thornton, and for an instant their eyes 
met. There was a mutual recognition ; astonishment and 
scorn were written on Mr. Thornton’s face, while the 

23 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


stranger cowed visibly and, with a fawning, cringing bow, 
made as speedy an exit as possible. 

At luncheon that day both Hugh Mainwaring and a 
number of his guests seemed rather preoccupied, and the 
meal passed in unusual silence. Mrs. LaGrange exerted 
herself to be particularly entertaining to Mr. Whitney, but 
he, though courteously responding to her overtures, made 
no effort to continue the conversation. Even the genial 
Mr. Thornton was in so abstracted a mood that his 
daughter at last rallied him on his appearance, whereupon 
he turned somewhat abruptly to his host with the inquiry, — 
Are you personally acquainted with Richard Hobson ?’ ’ 
For an instant, Hugh Mainwaring seemed confused, and 
Mr. Whitney, always on the alert, noted a peculiar expres- 
sion flash across the face of Mrs. LaGrange, and was also 
conscious of an almost imperceptible start on the part of 
the young secretary seated near him. 

Mr. Mainwaring quickly recovered himself and replied, 
deliberately, Richard Hobson, the attorney? I believe 
I met him once or twice, years ago, in London, but I 
cannot claim any acquaintance with him. ’ ’ 

Dick Hobson does not deserve the name of attorney,” 
remarked Ralph Mainwaring; ‘‘he is a shyster and a 
scoundrel. ’ ’ 

“He certainly bears a hard reputation,” rejoined Mr. 
Thornton; “and I would not have mentioned his name, 
only that I met him here about half an hour since, and 
that caused me to make the inquiry I did. ’ ’ 

Hugh Mainwaring paled visibly, though he remained 
calm. “Met him here, in my house? Impossible!” he 
exclaimed, at the same time glancing towards the butler, 
but the face of that functionary was as immobile as rock. 
“ I did not suppose the man was in this country 1 ’ ’ 

“Oh, yes,” replied Ralph Mainwaring; “he left Eng- 
24 


THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT 


land about two years ago ; he played one too many of his 
dirty games there and took the first steamer for America, 
hoping, I suppose, to find a wider sphere of action in this 
country. ’ ’ 

^'Possibly I may have been mistaken,” remarked Mr. 
Thornton, quietly, realizing that he had unconsciously 
touched an unpleasant chord, ‘‘but the resemblance was 
certainly striking. ’ ’ 

An awkward silence followed, broken by young Scott, 
who excused himself on the plea of important work and re- 
turned to Mr. Mainwaring’s library, where he was soon 
joined by all the gentlemen excepting young Mainwaring. 
In the hall, Hugh Mainwaring paused for a few words with 
the butler, and the attorney, passing at that moment, 
caught the man’s reply, given in a low tone, — 

“No, sir; Mrs. LaGrange.” 

A little later, the last will and testament of Hugh Main- 
waring was signed by the testator, and duly attested by 
Ralph Mainwaring, William Mainwaring Thornton, and 
William H. Whitney. As the last signature was completed, 
Hugh Mainwaring drew a heavy sigh, saying in a low 
tone, — 

‘•That is as I wished, my namesake is my heir;” then 
taking the document, he placed it in the hands of his sec- 
retary, adding, “ Lay this for the present on my desk. 
To-morrow I wish it to be read in the presence of all the 
members of the family, after which, Mr. Whitney, I desire 
to have it put in your possession for safe keeping until it is 
needed ; when that will be, no one can say ; — it may be 
sooner than we think. ’ ’ 

A marked change had come over his manner since 
luncheon, and his tones, even more than his words, made 
a deep impression on the mind of every one present. The 
shade of melancholy passed, however, and, ringing the 

_2S. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


bell, Hugh Mainwaring ordered carriages for himself and his 
guests for the afternoon and departed, leaving his secretary 
to attend to some private work in the library. 

Harry Scott’s manner, upon finding himself alone within 
the private rooms of Hugh Mainwaring, betrayed intense 
excitement. He pushed his work impatiently from him 
and, rising, began to walk swiftly, though noiselessly, back 
and forth, the entire length of the two apartments. Twice 
he paused before the large desk, and taking therefrom the 
will, already familiar to him, read its contents with burn- 
ing eyes while his face alternately flushed and paled. 
Then folding and replacing the document, he turned to- 
wards the safe, muttering, — 

‘‘It is no use. I have searched there once before and 
could find nothing.” 

Suddenly he exclaimed, “No one knows what may 
happen ; this may be my last opportunity ! I will search 
once more and leave not a corner unexplored. ’ ’ 

Having locked the library, he returned to the safe. He 
knew the combination, and soon the great doors swung 
open, revealing the contents arranged with the precision 
for which Mr. Mainwaring was noted in his business habits. 
Conscious that he had abundance of time for the work he 
had undertaken and that he was secure from interruption, 
he began a careful and methodical search through all the 
compartments. Various private documents were examined 
and then replaced in exactly their original position, but all 
seemed of no avail. He discovered no trace of that which 
he hoped to find. 

At last he came to a metallic box, which he surmised, 
from its weight and general appearance, contained the old 
family jewels. Should he open that ? A moment’s 
thought decided the question ; he would leave nothing un- 
explored. Further search revealed the key concealed in a 

26 


THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT 


tiny drawer. He applied it to the lock ; the cover flew 
backward, and a dazzling light flashed into his face as a 
ray of sunlight fell across his shoulder upon the superb 
gems, gleaming and scintillating from the depths of their 
hiding-place. But he paid little heed to them, for, in a 
long and narrow receptacle within one side of the box, his 
keen eye had discovered a paper, yellow and musty with 
age, the sight of which thrilled him with hope. He 
quickly drew it forth, and a single glance at its title assured 
him it was indeed the object of his search. With a low 
cry of joy, he locked and replaced the metallic box, and, 
opening the ancient document, he eagerly scanned its con- 
tents, an expression of intense satisfaction overspreading 
his features. 

He was still perusing the paper when he heard footsteps 
approaching the library through the long corridor, followed 
an instant later by a knock. Depositing the precious 
document safely within an inside pocket, he swung the 
doors of the safe together, turning the handle so as to lock 
it securely, and, crossing the library, unlocked and opened 
the door. 

The butler was standing there, and, handing Scott a 
card, said, briefly, — 

A gentleman on private business ; must see Mr. Main- 
waring or his secretary at once.” 

Scott glanced at the card: it bore the name of 
Henry Carruthers,” with a London address, and under- 
neath had been hastily pencilled the word Important.” 

Show the gentleman up,” he said. The butler bowed 
and was gone, and in an incredibly short time, while yet 
Scott’s pulse throbbed wildly from his recent discovery, 
the stranger entered the room. 

He was a little above the average height, with a some- 
what commanding presence, rather pale face, dark mous- 

27 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


tache, and black curling hair. He wore dark glasses, and 
was dressed in a tweed suit, slightly travel-worn, but his 
manners were those of a gentleman. 

Mr. Scott, I believe,” he said, addressing the secretary. 
‘^That is my name, sir; please be seated. What can I 
do for you, Mr. Carruthers ?’ ’ 

‘‘Will you inform me, Mr. Scott, of the earliest hour 
at which I can see Mr. Mainwaring ? I called at his city 
office and was directed here ; but the butler states that Mr. 
Mainwaring is away from home, and is unable to say when 
he will return, or how soon he would be at liberty to see me. * ’ 
“ Mr. Mainwaring will probably return about five o’clock ; 
but it is rather difficult for me to state when you could see 
him, as he is entertaining a number of guests, and it is 
doubtful if he would care to attend to any business just at 
this time, unless it were of special importance. ’ ’ 

“My business with Mr. Mainwaring is of special im- 
portance,” replied the other; “and I would be very glad 
if he could give me a little time to-morrow. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps, if you would give me some intimation of its 
nature, ’ ’ Scott suggested, ‘ ‘ Mr. Mainwaring might con- 
sent to make an appointment for the following day. I 
hardly think he would see you sooner. To-morrow is his 
birthday, and, as it is to be celebrated by him and his 
guests, it is doubtful whether he would attend to any 
business on that day.” 

“Indeed !” said Mr. Carruthers, rising, while Scott was 
conscious of a peculiar scrutiny fixed upon himself from 
behind those dark glasses ; “it had escaped my mind, but 
now I recall that Mr. Mainwaring is to celebrate his birthday 
by making his young English cousin and namesake his heir. 
I certainly would not intrude at a time so inopportune.” 

The secretary started. “ I was not aware that Mr. Main- 
waring’ s intentions were generally known,” he remarked. 

28 


THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT 


‘^Perhaps not,” replied the other, in a peculiar tone. 
‘‘I merely heard it mentioned, and all parties have my 
congratulations and best wishes. Kindly say to Mr. Main- 
waring that when the happy event is over I hope he will 
give me his earliest consideration. My address for the 
present will be the Arlington House. Do not take the 
trouble to ring, I can find my way. ’ ’ 

‘‘You will find this way much shorter, sir, ’ ’ Scott replied, 
opening the door into the southern hall. Mr. Carruthers 
thanked him and, with a profound bow, took his departure. 

As the hour was late, Scott found it necessary to devote 
himself at once to his work, and he had but just completed 
it when the sound of wheels was heard outside, and a few 
moments later his employer entered the room. 

The latter studied Mr. Carruthers’ s card quite attentively, 
and frowned upon learning that his intentions regarding 
the making of his will had become known by outsiders, 
but he soon seemed to forget the occurrence. Soon all 
were gathered about the dinner-table, and the evening 
passed very pleasantly. 

When, at a late hour, Hugh Mainwaring, in the dimly- 
lighted veranda, bade his guests good-night, he grasped the 
hand of his namesake and said, in a tone remarkably 
tender, — 

“Hugh, my boy, the distance is long between the 
twenty-first and the fiftieth mile-stones on the journey of 
life. Heaven grant, when you shall have reached the 
latter, you may look back over a brighter pathway than 
I do to-night ! ’ ’ 

Then, as the young man passed, he murmured to him- 
self, “ If I could but have had just such a son as he !” 

He did not see, though there was one who did, a 
woman’s form glide away in the dim light, her eyes 
gleaming with malignant fire. 

29 


CHAPTER IV 


A TERRIBLE AWAKENING 

For some time after his guests had retired, Hugh Main- 
waring remained outside, walking up and down in the 
starlight, apparently absorbed in thought. When at length 
he passed into the house, he met his secretary coming out 
for a solitary smoke. 

^^Come to my library, Mr. Scott, before you retire for 
the night,” said Mr. Mainwaring. 

‘‘At once, sir, if you wish,” the secretary replied. 

“ No, there is no hurry ; any time within an hour,” and 
he passed up -stairs. 

Half an hour later Harry Scott passed down the cor- 
ridor towards the library, but paused on hearing an angry 
voice within, which he at once recognized as Mrs. La- 
Grange’s. 

“Where would you be to-night?” she cried, “where 
would you have been all these years, if I had but exposed 
your dishonesty and duplicity ? You defrauded your only 
brother during his lifetime ; you have persistently ignored 
your son, your own flesh and blood ; and now you would 
rob him, not only of his father’s name, but of his father’s 
fortune, — cast him off with a mere pittance, — ^and put 
this stranger in the place which is rightfully his, and wish 
that you had been given such a son as he ! You are 
in my power, and you know it only too well ; and I will 
make you and your high-born, purse-proud family rue this 
day’s work.” 

Hugh Mainwaring’ s reply to this tirade was inaudible, 
30 


A TERRIBLE AWAKENING 


and Scott, feeling that he already had heard too much, 
withdrew, and continued walking up and down the halls 
until the library door opened and Mrs. LaGrange came 
out. She swept past him in a towering rage, seeming 
scarcely aware of his presence until, as he passed down 
the corridor and entered the library, he was suddenly 
conscious that she had turned and was watching him. 

He found Mr. Mainwaring- looking pale and fatigued. 

‘‘ I will detain you but a moment, Mr. Scott,” he said, 
speaking wearily; I have a few instructions I would like 
you to carry out early in the morning ; and I also want to 
say that I wish you to consider yourself as one of my 
guests to-morrow, and join with us in the festivities of the 
occasion.” 

Scott thanked his employer courteously, though there 
might have been detected a shade of reserve in his manner, 
and, after receiving brief directions for the following day, 
withdrew. 

He went to his room, but not to sleep. His mind was 
too full of the events of the day just passed, as well as of 
the expected events of the morrow. His thoughts reverted 
to his discovery of the afternoon, and, taking the shabby 
document from his pocket, he read and re-read it carefully, 
his features betraying deep emotion. What should be 
done with it ? Should he let his employer know at once 
of the proof which he now held against him ? Or should 
he hold it for a few days and await developments ? 

It was nearly three o’clock when he was aroused from 
his abstraction by a slight sound, as of stealthy footsteps in 
the rear of the house. He listened intently for a moment, 
but hearing nothing further and discovering the lateness 
of the hour, he hastily extinguished the light and, too 
exhausted and weary to undress, threw himself as he was 
upon a couch and was soon sleeping heavily. 

31 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


The sun was shining brightly into his room, when 
Harry Scott was awakened the next morning by a woman’s 
scream, followed by cries and sobs and a confused sound of 
running to and fro. Almost before he could collect his 
thoughts, he heard steps approaching his room, and, rising, 
hastily exchanged the smoking-jacket in which he had 
slept for a coat. He had barely time to make the change 
when there was a loud knock, and some one called his 
name in quick, sharp tones. 

Opening the door, he saw Mr. Whitney standing before 
him, while in the background servants were running in 
different directions, wringing their hands and moaning and 
crying hysterically. 

Mr. Scott,” said the attorney, in tones trembling with 
excitement, come to the tower-room at once ; Mr. Main- 
waring has been murdered ! ’ ’ 

^‘Mr. Mainwaring murdered!” he exclaimed, reeling 
for an instant as if from a blow. Great heavens 1 it can- 
not be possible ! ’ ’ 

‘Ht is terrible, but a fact, nevertheless,” replied Mr. 
Whitney ; ^ ‘ he was murdered last night in his private 
rooms. ’ ’ 

‘‘How and when was it discovered?” Scott inquired, 
his mind still dazed by the wild torrent of thought surging 
through his brain as he recalled the events of the previous 
night. 

“ Hardy, his valet, was the first to discover it this morn- 
ing. We have telephoned for his physician and for the 
coroner; they will be out on the next train from the 
city.” 

Harry Scott shuddered as he entered the familiar room 
where he had taken leave of his employer but compara- 
tively few hours before. Even amid the confusion, he 
noted that in the outer room everything appeared the same 

32 


A TERRIBLE AWAKENING 


as when he last saw it, but the portieres at the farther side, 
pushed widely open, revealed a ghastly sight. 

Upon the floor, about half-way between the desk and 
safe, his head resting in a small pool of blood, lay Hugh 
Mainwaring. He was inclined slightly towards his right 
side, his arm partially extended, and on the floor, near his 
right hand, lay a revolver, while an ugly wound just above 
the right eye and near the temple showed where the 
weapon had done its deadly work. The closely cut hair 
about the temple was singed and his face was blackened, 
showing that the fatal shot had been fired at close range. 
There were no indications, however, of a struggle of any 
kind ; the great revolving-chair, usually standing in front 
of the desk, had been pushed aside, but everything else 
was in its accustomed place, and the desk was closed and 
locked. 

Ralph Mainwaring was already kneeling beside the body ; 
Mr. Thornton and young Mainwaring, who had entered 
immediately after Scott and the attorney, stood speechless 
with horror. With what conflicting emotions the young 
secretary gazed upon the lifeless form of his employer, 
fortunately for him at that moment, no one knew ; as his 
mind cleared, he began to realize that his position was 
likely to prove a difficult and dangerous one, and that he 
must act with extreme caution. 

The silence was first broken by Mr. Thornton, who ex- 
claimed, — 

Terrible ! Terrible ! What do you think, Mainwaring? 
is this murder or suicide?’’ 

^‘Time alone will tell,” replied Mr. Mainwaring in a 
low tone ; ‘^but I am inclined to think it is murder.” 

Murder without a doubt !” added Mr. Whitney. 

‘‘But who could have done such a deed?” groaned Mr. 
Thornton. 


3 


33 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

Hugh Mainwaring was attired, as when Scott had last 
seen him, in a rich dressing-gown ; but as the secretary- 
knelt beside the silent form and touched the left hand 
lying partially hidden in its folds, he gave a slight start, 
and, quickly passing his hand within the dressing-gown, 
announced in a low tone, — 

His diamond ring and his watch are both gone !” 
Robbery !” exclaimed young Mainwaring ; that must 
have been the object of the murderer !” while his father, 
glancing towards the safe, remarked, — 

‘‘We must ascertain whether anything else is miss- 
ing.” 

“We will make a thorough examination of the room 
after the coroner’s arrival,” said Mr. Whitney, “but, for 
the present, everything must remain as it is. ’ ’ 

“ Should we not send for a detective at once?” Mr. 
Thornton inquired. 

“I have already telephoned for one upon my own re- 
sponsibility, ’ ’ replied the attorney. 

“When were you last in these rooms, Mr. Scott?” 
asked Ralph Mainwaring of the secretary, who had risen 
to his feet and was making a careful survey of the room. 

“About twelve o’clock last night, sir,” was his reply; 
then noting a look of surprise on the faces about him, he 
added, — 

‘H came at Mr. Mainwaring’ s request, as he wished to 
give directions regarding some work to be done this 
morning. ’ ’ 

“ He was alone at that time?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“How did he appear?” inquired Mr. Thornton. 

“ The same as usual, except that he seemed very weary.” 

“Was he in this room?” asked Mr. Mainwaring. 

“ No, sir; he was seated in the library.” 

34 


A TERRIBLE AWAKENING 


The sound of voices in the corridor attracted Mr. Main- 
waring’ s attention, and he turned quickly to his son, — 

** Hugh, I hear your mother’s voice ; go and meet her. 
The ladies must not be allowed to come in here.” 

Mr. Thornton turned to accompany young Mainwaring. 
Near the door he met his daughter and Miss Carleton, 
while a little farther down the corridor were Isabel Main- 
waring and her mother. With terror-stricken faces they 
gathered about him, unable to believe the terrible report 
which they had learned from the servants. As best he 
could, he answered their numerous inquiries, and, having 
escorted them to another part of the house, left them in 
charge of young Mainwaring, while he returned to the 
library. 

Meanwhile, the news of the murder had spread with 
lightning-like rapidity, and already crowds of people, drawn 
by that strange fascination which always exists for a certain 
class in scenes of this kind, were gathering on the grounds 
outside the house, forming in little groups, conversing 
with the servants, or gazing upward with awe-stricken 
glances at the closely-drawn shutters of the room in the 
tower. The invisible barriers which so long had excluded 
the public from Fair Oaks had been swept away by the 
hand of death, and rich and poor, capitalist and laborer, 
alike wandered unrestrained up and down the oak-lined 
avenue. 

At the door of the library, Mr. Thornton found Ralph 
Mainwaring and the attorney conversing together in low 
tones. 

Yes,” Mr. Mainwaring was saying, “as you say, it is 
undoubtedly murder ; but I confess I am at a loss to under- 
stand the motive for such a deed, unless it were robbery ; 
and you do not seem to give that idea much credence?” 

Mr. Whitney shook his head decidedly. “ Unless we 
35 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


find very strong evidence in that direction, I cannot 
believe that this is any case of common robbery. ’ ’ 

‘‘But to what other motive would you attribute it?” 
inquired Mr. Mainwaring. 

“Until further facts have been developed which may 
throw light upon the subject, I do not feel prepared to say 
what the motive might have been. ’ ’ 

“You evidently have your suspicions,” remarked Mr. 
Mainwaring, while Mr. Thornton inquired, — 

“ Had our cousin any enemies that you know of?” 

Mr. Whitney turned a keen, penetrating glance upon 
Mr. Thornton for an instant, and the latter continued, — 
“I thought it possible that in his business relations he 
might have incurred the enmity of some one of whom you 
knew. ’ ’ 

“No,” the attorney answered, quickly, “I am not 
aware of anything of that nature. Mr. Mainwaring made 
few intimate friends, but he was universally respected by 
all who knew him. If he had any enemies,” he added, 
very slowly, “ they were within his own household.” 

Ralph Mainwaring looked sharply at the attorney, but 
Mr. Thornton exclaimed, — 

“Egad ! sir, but you surely do not think this deed was 
committed by any one of the inmates of this house?” 

“As I have already said,” replied Mr. Whitney, “I 
am not prepared to state what I do think without further 
knowledge of the facts in the case.” 

“Of course we understand that,” rejoined Mr. Main- 
waring; “but we desire to have the benefit of your opin- 
ions and judgment regarding this case so soon as you do feel 
justified in expressing them, and, since you are vastly 
more familiar with the circumstances surrounding it than 
we, we wish to rely on your suggestions in this matter, ’ ’ 
The attorney bowed. “My advice for the present 
36 


A TERRIBLE AWAKENING 

would be to take care that no one leaves the premises, and 
that you also send for Mrs. LaG range ; I wish to see her,” 
he said briefly, and passed into the library. 

Ralph Mainwaring beckoned to the butler, who was 
standing at a little distance, awaiting orders. 

‘‘Call the housekeeper at once, Mr. Whitney wishes to 
see her in the library ; and send Wilson to me, and also 
the coachman.” 

With a silent acknowledgment of the order the butler 
withdrew, and a moment later, John Wilson, a middle- 
aged man and a servant of Ralph Mainwaring’ s who had 
accompanied him from London, appeared, followed by 
Brown, the coachman at Fair Oaks. 

Mr. Mainwaring first addressed the latter. “Brown, for 
the next hour or so, I wish you to be stationed in the hall 
below. Keep back the crowd as much as possible ; when 
the coroner and physician arrive show them up at once, 
but on no account allow any one else to come up-stairs. ’ ’ 

Then turning to his own serving-man, as Brown de- 
parted to the duties assigned him, Mr. Mainwaring con- 
tinued, — 

“For you, Wilson, I have a task which I cannot intrust 
to any one else, but which I know you will perform faith- 
fully and discreetly ; so far as you are able, keep a close 
watch upon every one within this house, without seeming 
to do so ; pay close attention to all conversation which you 
hear, and if you hear or see anything unusual, or that 
seems to have any bearing on what has occurred, report to 
me at once. Above all, do not let any of the servants 
leave the premises without they have my permission.” 

“Very well, sir,” Wilson replied; as he moved away 
the butler reappeared. 

“The housekeeper has not yet left her room, sir,” he' 
said, addressing Mr. Mainwaring. “ I gave the message by 
.37 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


the chambermaid, and she sent word that she had been 
prostrated by the terrible news this morning, sir, but that 
she would see Mr. Whitney in a few moments. ’ ’ 

As the man retreated, Mr. Thornton paused suddenly in 
his walk up and down the corridor, — 

’Pon my soul, Mainwaring ! it strikes me — particu- 
larly since hearing that will read yesterday — that there 
must have been something with reference to that woman 
— well — rather peculiar, don’ t you know. ’ ’ 

It strikes me,” replied Mr. Mainwaring with marked 
emphasis, ^‘that there may be something rather ‘peculiar,’ 
as you call it, in that direction at present, and I believe 
Mr. Whitney is of the same opinion. ’ ’ 

“ How is that? You surely do not think it possible that 
in his mind she is in any way associated with this murder — 
if it is a murder ?’ ’ 

“ He evidently suspects some one in this house, and for 
the present we can draw our own inferences. Regarding 
those provisions in the will to which you just now alluded, 
I can assure you I was not too well pleased ; but I knew it 
was useless to raise any objections or questions ; to my 
mind, however, they furnish a clue as to the possible 
claimants against the estate, which we were discussing yes- 
terday, and perhaps a clue to this latest development, 
also. ’ ’ 

“By my soul! it looks like it; but surely she could 
have no valid claim.” 

“Valid or not,” replied Ralph Mainwaring, “there 
must have been a powerful claim of some kind. When a 
man of Hugh Mainwaring’ s type leaves a handsome an- 
nuity to his housekeeper, and an interest in his business 
worth fifty or seventy-five thousand to her son, it may be 

considered pretty strong evidence that ’ ’ 

At a warning glance from Mr. Thornton, Ralph Main- 

.38 


A TERRIBLE AWAKENING 


waring paused abruptly and, turning, saw Mrs. LaGrange 
coming noiselessly down the corridor. She was dressed 
with even more than usual care, with quantities of rich 
lace fastened loosely about her shapely neck and falling in 
profusion over her beautifully moulded wrists and hands. 
Her dark, handsome features bore no trace of recent pros- 
tration, but betrayed, instead, signs of intense excitement. 
She bowed silently and passed onward, entering the library 
so quietly that the attorney, absorbed in thought, was un- 
aware of her presence until she stood before him. He 
started slightly, and for an instant neither spoke. Each 
was silently gauging the power of the other. 

For some time, Mrs. LaGrange had been conscious that 
Mr. Whitney was one of the few whose penetration could 
not be blinded by her blandishments. In addition, the 
fact that he was the private solicitor and legal adviser of 
Hugh Mainwaring did not tend to inspire her with confi- 
dence regarding his attitude towards herself. Nevertheless, 
he was an eminent attorney and this was a critical moment ; 
if she could gain his favor and his services in her behalf, 
it would be a brilliant stroke of policy. Her plans were 
well laid, and she was prepared to assume whatever role was 
necessary, so soon as his words or manner should give her 
the desired cue. 

For this, she did not have long to wait ; one searching 
glance, and she had read in the piercing scrutiny and cold 
scorn of his keen blue eye that, so far from winning favor 
from him, he would prove her most bitter opponent, and 
as quickly she determined upon her future course of action. 

Mr. Whitney, on the other hand, though a frequent 
visitor at Fair Oaks, and familiar with the fascinating 
manner with which, when she chose, Mrs. LaGrange 
entertained the guests of Hugh Mainwaring, was now 
forced to acknowledge to himself that never had he seen 

39 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


this handsome woman so beautiful as at the present mo- 
ment. The eyes looking into his with such depth of 
meaning, — the expression, the attitude, — all were utterly 
unlike anything which he had ever seen; but his face 
grew only the more stern, for the thought then and 
there occurred to him that perhaps here was the solution 
of the mysterious power which this woman had wielded 
over the man whose lifeless form was now lying in their 
presence. 

He observed that the luminous eyes grew suddenly cold, 
while her head assumed its usual haughty poise ; the brief 
spell was over, and each understood the other. 

After a few general directions, Mr. Whitney remarked. 

This day’s events will be far different from what we had 
anticipated. ’ ’ 

‘‘Yes,” she replied, with a mocking smile, “in that it 
brings to the guests of this house, instead of future expec- 
tations, the immediate realization of their wishes ! ’ ’ 

“It is not to be conceived for one moment that any of 
them take that view of what has occurred, ’ ’ he replied, in 
a tone of displeasure. 

“Possibly not,” she rejoined, “although the prospec- 
tive long life of their host seemed to greatly detract, at 
least in the case of one of their number, from their enjoy- 
ment of the occasion which they had come to celebrate.” 

“To whom do you refer?” he inquired. 

“ It is unnecessary to give names,” she answered, coldly ; 
“but had the Mainwarings of London known the facts 
which I know, they would never have crossed the water to 
take part in the farce which was enacted here yesterday. 
There are Mainwarings with better right and title to this 
estate than they, as they will soon learn.” 

Neither by look nor gesture did she manifest the least 
consciousness of, or concern for, the inanimate form visible 

40 


A TERRIBLE AWAKENING 


in the adjoining room. With sudden directness, and ig- 
noring the implied threat in her last words, Mr. Whitney 
asked, — 

* * Mrs. LaGrange, at what hour did you last see Hugh 
Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

She was about to reply, when Scott entered from the 
tower-room. He had heard her last remark, and his dark, 
piercing eyes were fixed upon her face in keen scrutiny. 
She was quick to note the fact and hesitated an instant, 
while a change, inexplicable to the attorney, passed over 
her face, — surprise, a shade almost of fear, and haughty 
defiance were visible in quick succession; then, turning 
again towards Mr. Whitney, she answered, indifferently, — 

‘‘It was quite late last night; I do not recollect the 
hour.” 

As the attorney was about to speak, Mr. Thornton 
appeared at the door of the library. 

“Beg pardon, Mr. Whitney, but I believe the coroner 
and others have arrived ; as you know the gentlemen, will 
you kindly meet them ?’ ’ 

“Certainly. Mr. Scott, you will please remain here,” 
and the attorney hastened out into the corridor. 

Again Mrs. LaGrange and the secretary faced each 
other in silence, each apparently trying to read the other’s 
thoughts and probe the depth of the other’s knowledge ; 
then, as the gentlemen were heard approaching, she with- 
drew, leaving him alone. 


4 * 


CHAPTER V 


IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES 

As the attorney, in response to the summons from Mr. 
Thornton, hastened from the corridor into the main hall, 
five gentlemen were slowly ascending the broad stairway, 
conversing together in subdued tones. One, younger than 
the others and evidently more familiar with the surroundings 
at Fair Oaks, stepped quickly in advance of the rest and 
extended his hand to Mr. Whitney in silent greeting. 
This was Dr. Hobart, Hugh Main waring’ s physician and 
one of his most intimate friends, although a number of 
years his junior. Following him were Mr. Elliott and 
Mr. Chittenden, of the firm of Mainwaring & Co., while 
bringing up the rear were the coroner and a gentleman, 
somewhat below medium size and of modest appearance, 
whom the attorney greeted very cordially and afterwards 
introduced to Mr. Thornton as Mr. Merrick. Proceeding 
at once to the library, they were joined a moment later by 
Ralph Mainwaring and his son. The necessary introduc- 
tions followed, and Mr. Mainwaring having given the 
butler instructions to admit no one into the library, Mr. 
Whitney made a brief statement regarding the discovery 
of the murder, and all passed into the room in the tower. 

Dr. Hobart at once bent over the prostrate form with 
genuine sorrow. The millionaire broker had been one of 
his earliest patrons, and their acquaintance had soon ripened 
into a mutual attachment, notwithstanding the disparity in 
their ages. After a long look at the face of his friend, he 
gave place to the coroner, who was also a physician. They 

42 


IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES 


partially lifted the body and both examined the wound, 
the small man who had accompanied the coroner looking 
on silently. It was found that the bullet had entered just 
above the right eye and had passed through the brain in a 
slightly downward direction, coming out near the base 
upon the same side. The most careful search failed to 
disclose the bullet, and attention was next directed to the 
revolver lying upon the floor near the right hand. It was 
a Smith & Wesson, thirty-two calibre, with but one empty 
chamber, that from which the fatal bullet had probably 
been discharged. 

Can any of you gentlemen tell me whether or not this 
belonged to the deceased ?’ ’ inquired the coroner, holding 
up the revolver. 

There was an instant’s pause, and Mr. Whitney replied, 
‘‘I know that Mr. Mainwaring owned a revolver, but, 
having never seen it, am unable to answer your inquiry. 
Perhaps his secretary could give you the desired informa- 
tion.” 

** 1 have often seen a revolver lying in Mr. Mainwaring’s 
desk, ’ ’ said the secretary ; ‘ ‘ but I doubt whether I could 
identify it, as I never observed it closely. I should judge, 
however, that this was the same size and make. ’ ’ 

Would it not be well to see if it is still there?” sug- 
gested the attorney. ‘ * I suppose you have a key to the 
desk.” 

I have, sir,” he replied, at the same time producing it. 
Crossing the room, he unlocked and opened the desk. An 
instant later, he announced, as he closed the desk, It is 
not here.” 

There was a subdued murmur, and Mr. Thornton was 
heard to exclaim, Suicide ! That has been my impression 
all along. ’ ’ 

Ralph Mainwaring glanced inquiringly at the attorney, 
43 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


who shook his head emphatically, while the coroner once 
more inspected the wound with an air of perplexity. 

'‘Doctor,” inquired Ralph Mainwaring, “in your 
opinion, how long has life been extinct ?’ ’ 

“I should judge about eight or nine hours,” replied 
Dr. Hobart. “ What would you say, Dr. Westlake?” 

“That would be my judgment, also.” 

“You would say that death was instantaneous?” ques- 
tioned the attorney. 

“ Without a doubt. It could not have been otherwise.” 

Ralph Mainwaring consulted his watch. “It is now 
half after nine ; in your judgment, then, this must have 
occurred about one o’clock this morning?” 

“About that time.” 

“At what hour was Mr. Mainwaring last seen by any 
one in this house ?’ ’ asked the coroner. 

“As nearly as we have ascertained thus far, at about 
twelve o’clock.” 

“Twelve? Indeed! By whom? and where?” 

“ By his private secretary, and in the library adjoining.” 

“Very well,” said the coroner, after a pause, during 
which he had made a memorandum of certain details 
which he considered of special importance; “the under- 
taker can now be summoned, as I believe he is waiting 
below, and we seem to have ascertained all the facts pos- 
sible in this direction ; and, Mr. Whitney, I will next see 
the valet, whom you say was the one to discover the situ- 
ation this morning.” 

In the slight confusion and delay which ensued, Mr. 
Elliott and Mr. Chittenden took their departure, with the 
usual expressions of condolence and regret, followed a few 
moments later by Dr. Hobart, who was accompanied down- 
stairs by young Mainwaring. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Merrick, having made a close scrutiny 
44 


IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES 


of the lifeless form, had been slowly walking back and 
forth in the tower-room and library, his hands in the 
pockets of his short sacque coat and his eyes apparently 
riveted on the floor. Several times in the library he 
paused and, bending downward, seemed to be intently 
studying the carpet; then, after two or three turns about 
the room, he sauntered towards the windows and doors, 
examining the fastenings of each in turn, and, on reaching 
the door opening into the southern hall, suddenly disap- 
.peared. 

‘ ‘ A very mysterious case ! ’ ’ commented the coroner, 
when he had finished his interview with the valet. ** Thus 
far nothing can be learned which throws much actual light 
on the subject one way or another, but if anybody can 
unravel the mystery, Merrick can.” 

^‘Merrick!” repeated Mr. Thornton, turning to Mr. 
Whitney in surprise. * ‘ Is Mr. Merrick a detective ?’ ’ 

^‘He is. I did not introduce him as such, for the 
reason that in a case of this kind he usually prefers to 
make his first visit incognito if possible. ’ ’ 

‘‘Very well; you have taken the responsibility in this 
matter. You understand, of course, Mr. Whitney, that we 
want no amateur work in a case like this. ’ ’ 

“ Mr. Merrick is no amateur,” said the attorney, quietly ; 
“he is one of the most trusted and one of the surest men 
on the force. ’ ' 

“Before we go any farther,” interposed Ralph Main- 
waring, “I suggest that we ascertain whether or not there 
has been a robbery. We can at least satisfy ourselves on 
that point.” 

“Acting on your suggestion, we will examine the safe,” 
said Mr. Whitney; “though I, for one, am not inclined 
to think there has been any robbery. Without a knowl- 
edge of the combination, the safe could not be opened 

45 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


unless force were employed ; and it certainly bears no 
evidence of having been tampered with.” 

* ‘ Proceed with your investigation, Mr. Whitney, ’ ’ said 
the quiet voice of the detective, who had entered unob- 
served from the smoking-room ; unless I am greatly mis- 
taken, the person we are after is some one pretty familiar 
with various ‘ combinations’ in these apartments. ’ ’ 

There was a general expression of surprise, and all turned 
towards Mr. Merrick for an explanation, but a glance at his 
impassive face convinced them that questions would be 
useless. 

With a few swift turns the secretary unlocked the safe 
and the ponderous doors swung open, showing books and 
papers in their accustomed places. Everything appeared 
in perfect order ; but as the attorney began a rapid ex- 
amination of the interior, he suddenly uttered a sharp 
exclamation, while, as he continued his search, his manner 
betrayed considerable excitement. 

Anything wrong, Mr. Whitney? anything missing?” 
queried Ralph Mainwaring. 

^‘Everything is missing !” the other exclaimed, after 
a moment’s pause, turning around with a pale face and 
holding in his hand an empty cash box; “there is ab- 
solutely nothing left but an old cheque-book, a few drafts, 
and some other papers of no value whatever except to 
Hugh Mainwaring himself ! ’ ’ 

Half a score of questions were instantly raised : “Was 
there a large amount of money in the safe ?” “ Did it con- 
tain anything of great value ?’ ’ 

Scott, standing silently in the background, seemed to see 
again the brilliant gems flashing in the sunlight, as he had 
seen them in his search on the preceding day, but he said 
nothing. 

“ There was a considerable amount of cash,” the attorney 
46 


IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES 


was saying. Mr. Mainwaring deposited a large sum there 
when he last came out from the city, and,” he added more 
slowly, the old family jewels were kept in the safe.” 

‘‘The Mainwaring jewels!” echoed both the English- 
men. ‘ ‘ Impossible I incredible I ’ ’ While Ralph Mainwar- 
ing exclaimed, “Why, they were worth a fortune several 
times over in themselves !” 

“ I am aware of that,” answered the attorney. “ I often 
remonstrated with Mr. Mainwaring, but to no purpose ; for 
some reason which he never explained he always kept them 
there.” 

“I would never have believed him capable of such 
recklessness,” said Mr. Thornton. 

“Recklessness!” exclaimed Ralph Mainwaring; “it 
was the biggest piece of imbecility I ever heard of ! What 
is your opinion now, Mr. Whitney, regarding a robbery in 
connection with this case ?’ ’ 

“That there has been a robbery I am forced to admit,” 
the attorney replied, courteously but firmly; “but my 
opinion of the matter is still unchanged. I regard the 
robbery as only incident to the murder. I do not yet be- 
lieve it to have led to the deeper crime.” 

“ Do you know, Mr. Scott, whether any one beside 
yourself understood the combination of the safe?” Ralph 
Mainwaring inquired. 

“ I d^ not, sir,” the secretary replied, conscious that all 
eyes had turned upon him at the inquiry and that the de- 
tective was observing him closely. 

Meanwhile Ralph Mainwaring loudly lamented the 
missing jewels, until it was evident to all that their loss, for 
the time at least, had completely overshadowed all thought 
of the tragedy they were investigating. 

“They must be recovered at all hazards and at any 
price,” he said, addressing the detective. “There were 

47 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


single gems in that collection which cost a fortune and 
which have been heirlooms in the family for generations. ’ ' 

After further search which failed to disclose anything of 
importance, or any clue regarding either the murder or the 
robbery, arrangements were made for the inquest to be 
held at three o’clock that afternoon, and the party was 
about to leave the apartments, when Mr. Whitney paused. 

^‘One moment, gentlemen; there is one more point I 
would like investigated. I maintain that we have not yet 
discovered the most essential clue to this case — something 
to throw light on the possible motive which prompted the 
murder of Hugh Mainwaring. I now wish to make a 
final trial. Mr. Scott, will you once more open Mr. Main- 
waring’ s desk for us and take out the will that was de- 
posited there yesterday ?’ ’ 

Ralph Mainwaring started. ‘‘The will? You surely do 
not think ” 

“I think it might be safer in our own possession,” said 
the attorney, with a peculiar smile. 

‘ ‘ And right you are ! ’ ’ added Mr. Thornton, approvingly. 
“I wonder you had not thought of that yourself, Main- 
waring. ’ ’ 

Meanwhile, Scott, having opened the desk in compliance 
with the attorney’s request, had looked for the will where 
he had last seen it on the preceding day, and, failing to 
find it, was searching through the numerous receptacles 
containing Mr. Mainwaring’ s private papers. The silence 
around him became oppressive, and suddenly looking up, 
he encountered the glance of both Mr. Whitney and the 
detective, the former with an expression of triumph in his 
keen eyes. Perplexed and bewildered, Scott exclaimed in 
a mechanical tone, — 

‘ ‘ The will is gone ; it is nowhere to be found ! ’ ’ 

“I thought as much,” said the attorney, quietly. 

48 


CHAPTER VI 


THE INQUEST 

The crowd, which early in the day had gathered about 
Fair Oaks, instead of diminishing, seemed rather to increase 
as the hours slipped away. Little by little the facts be- 
came known to outsiders, — the loss of the old family 
jewels, concerning whose existence and probable value 
vague rumors had been circulated in the past, the drawing 
up of the will on the preceding day and its strange disap- 
pearance in connection with the sudden and mysterious 
death of the testator, — ^all combined to arouse public in- 
terest and curiosity to an unusual degree ; it seemed the 
culmination of the impenetrable mystery which for years 
had shrouded the place. 

As the hour for the inquest approached, the crowd was 
augmented by each suburban train, until a throng of busi- 
ness men of all classes, interspersed with numerous re- 
porters eager for the details of the affair, covered the 
grounds and even sought admittance to the house, for the 
millionaire broker, though a man of few intimate friend- 
ships, was widely known and honored in the financial 
and commercial world. 

Shortly after the arrival of the 2.45 train from the city, 
the Mainwaring carriage came rapidly up the avenue, two or 
three other carriages following in the rear. As it stopped, 
Mr. Whitney alighted, followed by an elderly gentleman 
of fine appearance and two officers of the special police, 
who immediately began to force back the crowd, while the 
attorney and his companion hastily entered the house and 

49 


4 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


were met by the butler, who, in response to a hurried in- 
quiry, directed them up-stairs. 

In the private library they found the detective who had 
been left there alone at his own request. There was a 
brief interview between the three, after which Mr. Whitney 
begged his companion to excuse him for a moment, and beck- 
oning Mr. Merrick into the tower-room, asked eagerly, — 
Well, what success ? Have you struck the trail ?’ ’ 

With an enigmatical smile, the detective replied, ‘^The 
game has doubled back on the trail pretty adroitly, but I 
have made one or two little discoveries that may be of 
value later. What do you think of this ?’ ’ 

Opening a small note-book, he took therefrom several 
pieces of burnt paper, most of which were so blackened that 
the faint traces of writing which they bore were illegible. On 
a few pieces, however, words and parts of words could be 
distinctly read. 

Mr. Whitney studied the bits of discolored paper for a 
moment, and then exclaimed in excited tones, — 

Good heavens, man ! it is the will ! The will drawn 
up in these rooms yesterday ! See, here is the date, ‘ this 
seventh day of July, in the year of our’ — the rest is gone.” 

‘^Here is part of a name,” said the detective, ^‘’nor 
Houghton LaGra’ ” 

‘ ‘ Eleanor Houghton LaGrange ! ’ ’ exclaimed the attor- 
ney; ^‘and below you can just trace the words, ‘this 
amount of annuity to be’ ; and here are other bits, ‘ as to 
my estate and all property,’ ‘ to hold the same forever, to- 
gether with.’ Well, I should say these were of value; 
where did you find them ?’ ’ 

For answer, Mr. Merrick pointed to a small fireplace 
behind the safe, near which a large screen was standing. 

“ Strange !” exclaimed the attorney. “ I never noticed 
that before, much as I have been here.” 

50 


THE INQUEST 


** It escaped my observation for some time,” replied the 
other. ‘‘I searched the fireplace in the library, but this 
grate is very small and was concealed by that large screen, 
as well as by the safe. Evidently, it was seldom used, and 
was selected for that reason by whoever destroyed the will, 
as more likely to escape notice. ’ ’ 

^‘Rather a bungling piece of work,” commented the 
attorney, ‘ * leaving these partially burned scraps. I wonder 
that he or she, whoever it was, did not make sure that 
they were entirely consumed. ’ ’ 

‘‘The person may have heard some sound and, fearing 
detection, hastened away before the job was completed,” 
suggested the other. 

“Well, it is past three, we must hasten; you found 
nothing more ?’ ’ 

“Nothing of special importance. I have learned one 
fact, however; the murder was never committed in this 
room, but in the library. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ The library ! Why do you think that ?’ ’ 

“ I do not think it, I know it, and was confident of it 
while we were making the examination this morning. Say 
nothing about it, however, for the present. We will go 
now, if you are ready. ’ ’ 

Joining the gentleman still awaiting them in the library, 
they descended into the lower hall, where the detective 
suddenly disappeared. 

Meanwhile, the coroner and members of the jury, after 
alighting from their carriages, marched gravely up the broad 
stairs and were conducted by a servant into one of the pri- 
vate apartments where lay the body of the murdered man. 
Under the direction of Dr. Westlake, the jury individually 
viewed the wounds, noting their location and character, and, 
after a brief visit to the room in the tower, all passed down- 
stairs and were shown into the large library on the first floor. 

51 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


The coroner occupied a large arm-chair at one end of a 
long writing-table in the centre of the room, the jury being 
seated together near his left, while on each side of the 
table chairs had been placed for the accommodation of a 
few of the more prominent reporters, the others, less 
favored, stationing themselves at the doorways and open 
windows. 

In the room back of the library were the servants, the 
women grouped about the great arched doorway with white, 
frightened faces, the men standing a little farther in the 
rear, while in a dim corner, partially concealed by the 
heavy portieres and unseen by any one excepting the ser- 
vants, was the detective. 

When everything was in readiness, Mr. Whitney entered 
the room with the gentleman who had accompanied him 
out from the city and followed by the London guests. In 
the lead were Ralph Mainwaring and his son, the entrance 
of the latter causing a small stir of interest and excitement, 
as a score of pencils at once began to rapidly sketch the 
features of the young Englishman, the intended heir of 
Hugh Mainwaring. The young man’s face wore an expres- 
sion of unconcern, but his father’s features were set and 
severe. To him, the loss of the will meant something 
more than the forfeiture of the exclusive ownership of a 
valuable estate ; it meant the overthrow and demolition of 
one of his pet schemes, cherished for twenty-one years, 
just on the eve of its fulfilment; and those who knew 
Ralph Mainwaring knew that to thwart his plans was a 
dangerous undertaking. 

Mr. Thornton followed, escorting Mrs. Mainwaring and 
her daughter, the cold, gray eyes of Isabel Mainwaring 
flashing a look of haughty disdain on the faces about her. 
Bringing up the rear was Mrs. Hogarth with her two 
charges, Edith Thornton and Winifred Carleton, the face 

52 


THE INQUEST 

of the latter lighted with an intelligent, sympathetic interest 
in her surroundings. 

Harry Scott next entered, pausing in the doorway for an 
instant, while just behind him appeared Mrs. LaGrange. 
The room was already crowded, and Miss Carleton, seated 
near the door, with a quick glance invited the young secre- 
tary to a vacant chair by her side, which he gracefully 
accepted, but not before a tiny note had been thrust into 
his hand, unseen by any one excepting the detective. 

Pale, but with all her accustomed hauteur, Mrs. La- 
Grange, accompanied by her son, passed slowly around 
the group of reporters, ignoring the chair offered by the 
attorney, and seated herself in a position as remote as 
possible from the guests of the house and commanding a 
full view of the servants. Her gown was noticeable for its 
elegance, and her jewelled hands toyed daintily with a 
superb fan, from whose waving black plumes a perfume, 
subtle and exquisite, was wafted to every part of the room. 

In the silence that followed, the coroner, with a few brief 
words, called for the first witness, George Hardy. A young 
man, with a frank face and quiet, unassuming manner, 
stepped forward from the group of servants. After the 
usual preliminaries, the coroner inquired, — 

‘ ‘ How long have you been in the employ of Mr. Main- 
waring ?’ ’ 

Nearly four years, sir.” 

During that time you have held the position of valet ?’ ’ 

‘^Yes, sir.” 

‘ ^ At what time this morning did you discover what had 
occurred ?’ ’ 

‘‘About seven o’clock, sir.” 

“You may state how you came to make this discovery, 
giving full particulars.” 

“I had gone as usual to the bath-room to prepare the 
53 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


bath for Mr. Mainwaring, and when everything was in 
readiness I knocked at his door to waken him. There was 
no answer, and, after knocking several times, I unlocked 
the door and looked in. I saw he had not occupied the 
room, but I didn’t think much about that, and went on 
through the smoking-room into the library, and then I saw 
Mr. Mainwaring lying on the floor in the next room. At 
first I thought he was sick and went to him, but as I got 
nearer I saw that he was dead, and then I noticed the 
revolver lying beside him. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ What did you then do ?’ ’ 

“I was frightened, sir, and I went to call help as quick 
as I could.” 

* * Who was the first person whom you met and told of 
your discovery?” 

‘‘Well, sir, I went first for Mr. Whitney, because he was 
a friend of Mr. Mainwaring’ s and a lawyer, and I thought he 
would know what to do ; but on my way to his room I met 
Wilson, Mr. Ralph Mainwaring’ s valet, and I told him what 
had happened; then I called Mr. Whitney and told him 
Mr. Mainwaring had shot himself. ’ ’ 

“Did you get the impression that Mr. Mainwaring had 
shot himself from the fact that the revolver lay near his 
hand, or had you any other reasons for that inference ?’ ’ 

“ No, sir, that was the only reason.” 

“ Can you state positively whether this revolver belonged 
to Mr. Mainwaring?” asked the coroner, at the same time 
passing the weapon to Hardy. 

“Yes, sir,” replied the latter, promptly, handing it 
back after a moment’s inspection, “that is Mr. Main- 
waring’ s revolver. I’ve cleaned it many a time, and 
there’s little marks on it that I know sure.” 

“Very well. After summoning Mr. Whitney, did you 
call any other members of the household ?’ ’ 

54 


THE INQUEST 


‘‘Mr. Whitney sent me to call Mr. Ralph Mainwaring; 
but I met Wilson again, and he said he had just told Mr. 
Mainwaring and Mr. Thornton, and was on his way to the 
room of young Mr. Mainwaring. Down the hall I met the 
butler and told him what had happened, and we both went 
into the library, and I stayed there till Mr. Whitney came. ’ ’ 

^ ‘ When did you last see Mr. Hugh Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Shortly after dinner last evening, between seven and 
eight o’clock, I should say, sir.” 

Where was that ?’ ’ 

‘‘In the main hall down-stairs, sir. He stopped me to 
say that he would not need me last evening, and that after 
locking up his rooms for the night I could have my time to 
myself. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Was the locking of his rooms usually included among 
your duties at night ?’ ’ 

“Yes, sir; his private rooms and the hall on the south 
side. ’ ’ 

“ Did you have any stated time for doing this?” 

“At nine o’clock, sir.” 

“ You locked the rooms as usual last night?” 

“Yes, sir; that is, I locked them all right, but it was 
later than usual.” 

“ How was that ?” 

“ About half an hour after Mr. Mainwaring spoke to me, 
the housekeeper came and asked me to keep the rooms 
open till about ten o’clock, as she was expecting callers 
and wanted to receive them by the south hall into her 
private parlor. ’ ’ 

“At what time did you lock the rooms?” 

“■A few minutes after ten, sir. I felt kind of uneasy, 
because it was Mr. Mainwaring’ s orders that the rooms be 
shut at nine; so soon as ’twas ten o’clock I went around 
outside, and, seeing no light in her parlor, I went in and 

55 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


locked the hall and then went up -stairs to lock the rooms 
there. ’ ’ 

‘‘Did you see any strangers about the place at that 
time?” 

“No, sir.” 

“You saw no one in any of Mr. Mainwaring’s private 
rooms ?’ ’ 

“ No strangers, you mean? No, sir.” 

“ Was there any one in his rooms ?’ ’ 

“The housekeeper was in the library. She had gone 
up-stairs that way, she said, and had found the door into 
the main hall locked, and hearing me come, she waited for 
me to open it.” 

“ Had you locked the door into the main hall?” 

“ No, sir ; that door wasn’t usually locked in the evening. 
I don’t know who locked it, but I opened it for her and 
then locked it again. ’ ’ 

“Are you positive there was no one else in those rooms 
at that time ?’ ’ 

“Yes, sir, pretty sure,” replied Hardy, with a smile, 
“for I looked them over uncommon thorough last night. 
I thought at first that I smelled smoke, like something 
burning, but I looked around careful and everything was 
all right.” 

At this point Mr. Whitney held a whispered consultation 
with the coroner for a moment. 

“You say,” continued the latter, “you thought you 
smelled something burning; could you state what the 
material seemed to be ?’ ’ 

“Well, sir, I thought it was like paper burning; but I 
must have been mistaken, for the papers on the table was 
all right and there was nothing in the fireplace. ’ ’ 

“ Did you see or hear anything unusual about the place 
at any time last night ?’ ’ 


56 


THE INQUEST 


‘^No, sir.” 

For a moment the coroner was occupied with a slip of 
paper which had been passed to him through a number of 
hands ; then he said, — 

‘^Before you are dismissed, will you describe the locks 
used on the doors of Mr. Mainwaring’s library and the 
south hall.” 

‘^They had the ordinary locks, sir; and then, in addi- 
tion, a small, patent lock, that when a certain spring was 
turned the door locked of itself and could not be opened 
from either side unless one had the key and understood the 
working of the spring. ’ ’ 

Who had keys to fit these locks?” 

^‘No one but Mr. Mainwaring. When he was home 
and wanted the doors unlocked, he hung the keys in a 
particular place in the library where I could find them, and 
when he went away he always took them with him. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Did you unlock the library doors this morning ?’ * 

** Only the door into the main hall when I went to call 
Mr. Whitney, — that had nothing but an ordinary lock ; but 
the other door, into the south hall, was unlocked and the 
keys gone when I first went into the library. ’ ’ 

One question more. Do you know whether any one 
else in the house had knowledge of, or access to, these 
particular keys?” 

I don’t know for certain, sir, but I think not.” 

The attorney was next called upon, and came forward, 
while Hardy resumed his former place among the ser- 
vants. 

‘ ^ Mr. Whitney, ’ ’ said the coroner, after the witness had 
given the details of his arrival in the tower-room in response 
to the valet’s summons, ^^will you please state when, and 
under what circumstances, you last saw Hugh Mainwaring 
living. ’ ’ 


57 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘‘At nearly eleven o’clock last night. Mr. Mainwaring 
had just bidden his guests good-night, and I believe they 
had all retired to their rooms, leaving him and myself 
together upon the veranda in front of the house. I re- 
mained with him about ten minutes, I should judge, talking 
over the events of the day which had been of unusual 
interest. I remember his remarking that he should not 
retire for an hour or so, as, to use his own expression, his 
thoughts would not let him sleep. We clasped hands with 
an exchange of good wishes. That was the last I ever saw 
him living or heard him speak. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney’s voice trembled slightly towards the close 
of his recital, but as he repeated Hugh Mainwaring’ s words 
a smile of scorn passed over the face of Mrs. LaGrange, 
who was seated directly opposite. 

“Will you please state,” said the coroner, “how Mr. 
Mainwaring had been engaged during the day, yesterday. ’ ’ 
“Until about half-past two his time was spent in the 
preparation, with the assistance of his secretary and myself, 
and the execution of his last will and testament. The 
remainder of the day was devoted to the entertainment 
of his guests.” 

“Will you give briefly and in general terms the condi- 
tions of the will.” 

“With the exception of an annuity to his housekeeper 
and a handsome bequest to her son, it conveyed everything 
to his cousin and namesake, Hugh Mainwaring, Jr., whom 
he intended to-day to formally declare his heir. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Where was this document placed, Mr. Whitney ?’ ’ 

“It was, at Mr. Mainwaring’ s request, placed by his 
secretary on his desk in the tower-room. ’ ’ 

“You can give no further information regarding this 
will, now missing?” 

“Only this,” replied Mr. Whitney, with marked em- 

58 


THE INQUEST 

phasis, ‘‘that we now have positive proof that the will 
was burned. ’ ’ 

There was a general movement of surprise, both among 
the members of the household and outsiders; and the 
attorney, closely observant of Mrs. LaGrange, saw her 
cheeky which but a moment before, at his mention of the 
annuity contained in the will, had flamed with anger, 
suddenly assume a strange pallor. 

“Mr. Whitney,” continued the coroner, having con- 
sulted a small memorandum which he held, ‘ ‘ do you know 
whether there were any strangers at Fair Oaks yesterday?” 

“I have no personal knowledge on that subject. The 
secretary informs me that a stranger inquired for Mr. Main- 
waring in the afternoon, and remarks were made at luncheon, 
that impressed me considerably, regarding some one who 
had called in the forenoon, whether to see Mr. Mainwaring 
I am not prepared to state. ’ ’ 

“Will you state the nature of those remarks?” 

‘ ‘ I should prefer to be excused until later in this ex- 
amination. For the present, I will merely say that one of 
Mr. Mainwaring’ s guests incidentally met and recognized 
this caller ; that the latter was evidently well and unfavor- 
ably known by both Mr. Mainwaring and his guests, and, 
if I am not mistaken, by the secretary also, and that the 
mention of the man’s name seemed to affect Mr. Hugh 
Mainwaring very unpleasantly. ’ ’ 

“In what respect, Mr. Whitney?” 

‘ ‘ He grew very pale and appeared confused, if not 
alarmed, on learning that the man was in this country and 
had been seen at this house, and he seemed abstracted and 
very unlike himself for fully an hour after the occurrence. ’ ’ 
“Will you state the name of this man?” 

“He was spoken of as Richard Hobson, formerly an 
attorney, of London.” 


59 


CHAPTER VII 


A BATTLE ROYAL 

Harry Scott, private secretary of Hugh Mainwaring, ’ ’ 
announced the coroner, when Mr. Whitney had resumed his 
chair. 

As the young secretary walked deliberately through the 
crowded room, there were few who failed to remark his 
erect, athletic form, his splendid bearing, and especially 
the striking beauty of his dark face, with its olive tint, 
clear-cut features, indicative of firmness and strength, and 
large, piercing eyes, within whose depths, on the present 
occasion, there seemed to be, half hidden, half revealed, 
some smouldering fire. Instantly a half-dozen pencils were 
transferring to paper his form and features. 

‘‘Say, what are you ‘doing’ him for?” whispered one 
reporter to his neighbor. “He isn’t anybody; only the 
old man’s secretary.” 

“Can’t help that,” replied the other; “he’s better 
looking than the English chap, anyhow ; and, in my opin- 
ion, the old fellow would have shown better sense to have 
left him the ‘stuff.’ ” 

Meanwhile, young Scott, having answered a few pre- 
liminary interrogatories, turned slowly, facing Mrs. La- 
Grange, who was watching him with an intensity of manner 
and expression as though she would compel him to meet 
her gaze. 

As his glance met hers, a look of inquiry flashed from 
her eyes to his, accompanied by an expression persuasive, 
almost appealing. But the only reply was an ominous flash 

6o 


A BATTLE ROYAL 


from the dark eyes, as, with a gesture of proud disdain, he 
folded his arms and again faced his interlocutor, while, 
with eyes gleaming with revenge from under their heavily 
drooping lids and lips that curled from time to time in a 
smile of bitter malignity, she watched him, listening eagerly 
for his testimony, losing no word that he said. 

The young secretary well understood the character of 
the enemy w’ith whom he had thus declared war, though 
he was as yet in ignorance of the weapons she would use 
against him, but the honeyed words of the little note 
crushed within his pocket had no power to swerve him for 
an instant from the course upon which he had determined. 

After a few general questions, the coroner said, — 

** Please state when and what was the first intimation 
received by you of any unusual occurrence. ’ ’ 

“I was awakened this morning by a woman’s scream 
and heard sounds of confused running in different direc- 
tions. A few moments later Mr. Whitney came to my 
room and informed me of what had occurred, and I then 
went with him to the private rooms of Mr. Mainwaring.” 

‘‘You were associated with Mr. Mainwaring yesterday 
during the greater part of the day and evening, were you 
not?” 

“I was during the day, but I did not see him after 
dinner until late at night. ’ ’ 

“ Did you notice anything unusual in his appearance at 
any time yesterday ?’ ’ 

“ He appeared rather depressed for about an hour after 
luncheon, during the execution of the will.” 

“ Did you know any cause for such depression?” 

“I attributed it, in my own mind, to the conversation 
at luncheon, to which Mr. Whitney has referred.” 

“Regarding one Richard Hobson?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

6i 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


you know what, if any, relations existed between 
Mr. Mainwaring and this Hobson ?’ ’ 

The black plumes of Mrs. LaGrange’s fan suddenly 
quivered, her cheek paled, and her breath came and went 
quickly, but these were the only signs of agitation which 
she betrayed, as Scott replied, — 

‘ ‘ I have no knowledge as to what relations existed 
between them of late. I only know that Mr. Mainwaring 
had, years ago, some important private business with this 
man.” 

Will you state the nature of this business ?” 

^‘Without giving exact details, ” Scott replied, speaking 
deliberately but with no hesitation, though conscious of 
the surprise and indignation depicted on some of the faces 
about him, *‘this man was employed as an attorney by 
Mr. Mainwaring before the latter came to this country, and 
has since, at various times, extorted money from him by 
threats of exposure regarding certain transactions. ’ ’ 

The silence that followed this statement was of itself 
eloquent. The young secretary felt every eye fastened 
upon himself, and, though his own eyes were fixed on the 
coroner’s face, he saw reflected even there the general 
expression of mingled astonishment, incredulity, and re- 
sentment. Unmoved, however, he awaited, coolly and 
impassively, the next words of the coroner. 

^‘Mr. Scott,” said Dr. Westlake, a touch of severity in 
his tone, “this is a serious assertion to make regarding a 
man so widely known as Mr. Mainwaring, and so uni- 
versally considered above reproach in his business trans- 
actions. ’ ’ 

“I am aware of that fact, sir,” replied Scott, calmly, 
“but reference to the private letter-files of Mr. Mainwaring 
will prove the truth of my assertion. I made this statement 
simply because the time and place demanded it. You were 

62 


A BATTLE ROYAL 


endeavoring to ascertain the cause of Mr. Mainwaring’s 
perturbation on learning yesterday of the arrival of Hobson. 
I have given what I consider the clue. ’ ’ 

‘ * How recently had this man Hobson extorted money 
from Mr. Mainwaring, and in what amount ?’ ’ 

* ‘ The last money sent him was about three years ago, a 
sum of five thousand dollars. Hobson wrote a most inso- 
lent letter of acknowledgment, stating that, as this money 
would set him on his feet for a time, he would not write 
again immediately, but assuring Mr. Mainwaring that he 
would never be able to elude him, as the writer would keep 
posted regarding his whereabouts, and might, some time in 
the future, call upon him in person. ’ ’ 

Can you describe this man’s appearance?” 

I cannot, having never met him.” 

** Will you describe the stranger who is reported to have 
called in the afternoon.” 

** He was tall, quite pale, with dark hair and moustache. 
He was dressed in a tweed suit, somewhat travel-worn, and 
wore dark glasses. ’ ’ 

Did he state his errand ?’ ’ 

‘^Only that he wished to see Mr. Mainwaring on busi- 
ness of special importance. He at first seemed rather 
insistent, but, on learning that Mr. Mainwaring was out and 
that he would receive no business calls for a day or two, he 
readily consented to defer his interview until later. ’ ’ 

Did he leave his name or address?” 

His card bore the name of J. Henry Carruthers, of Lon- 
don. He gave his present address as the Arlington House. ’ ’ 
“You noticed nothing unusual in his appearance ?’ ’ 
“The only thing that struck me as rather peculiar was 
that Mr. Carruthers seemed well informed regarding events 
expected to take place here, while his name was wholly 
unfamiliar to Mr. Mainwaring. ’ ’ 

63 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


At this point a pencilled note was handed by the coroner 
to Mr. Whitney, who immediately summoned George Hardy 
and hastily despatched him on some errand. 

‘‘Mr. Scott,” resumed the coroner, “were you in Mr. 
Mainwaring’s private library at any time during last even- 
ing?” 

‘ ‘ I was not. I spent the entire evening in my own room. ’ * 

“ When did you again see Mr. Mainwaring?” 

“Not until after eleven o’clock. I had come down for 
a smoke in the grounds outside and met Mr. Mainwaring 
in the lower hall on the way to his rooms. He asked me 
to come to his library before retiring, as he wished to give 
some final directions for the next day. About half an hour 
later I went to the library door, but hearing loud and 
angry talk within, I waited in the hall some fifteen or 
twenty minutes until I knew Mr. Mainwaring was alone. 
I then entered, received his instructions, and went directly 
to my room for the night.” 

“ Were you able to recognize the voices or hear any of 
the conversation?” 

“I was. I recognized the voice of the housekeeper, 
Mrs. LaG range; but feeling that I was hearing what was 
not intended for me, I walked back into the main hall and 
remained there until Mrs. LaGrange came out. ’ ’ 

“You saw her leave the library?” 

“Yes, sir; I passed her in the corridor.” 

“ She saw you, of course?” 

“She seemed scarcely conscious of my presence until 
we had passed; she then turned and watched me as I 
entered the library. ’ ’ 

“What was the nature of the conversation which you 
heard ?’ ’ 

“I only heard what Mrs. LaGrange said. She evi- 
dently was very angry with Mr. Mainwaring.” 

64 


A BATTLE ROYAL 


** Can you repeat her words as you heard them?’* 

‘‘Not entirely. She accused Mr. Mainwaring of dis- 
honesty, saying that he had defrauded his only brother, and 
had ignored and robbed his own son to put a stranger in 
his place. The last words I heard were, ‘ You are in my 
power, and you know it only too well ; and I will make you 
and your high-born, purse-proud family rue this day’s 
work.’ ” 

Harry Scott, with the proof of his employer’s crimes in 
his possession, repeated these words with an indifference 
and impassiveness that seemed unnatural, while the smoul- 
dering fire in his eyes gleamed fitfully, as though he knew 
some secret of which the others little dreamed. 

But, if spoken indifferently, the words were not received 
with indifference. The reporters bent to their task with 
renewed ardor, since it promised developments so rich 
and racy. Ralph Mainwaring’ s face was dark with sup- 
pressed wrath ; Mr. Thornton seemed hardly able to restrain 
himself ; while the attorney grew pale with excitement and 
anger. Mrs. LaGrange alone remained unmoved, as much 
so as the witness himself, her eyes half closed and a cynical 
smile playing about her lips as she listened to the repetition 
of her own words. 

“Did Mr. Mainwaring make no reply?” inquired the 
coroner. 

“ He did, but it was inaudible to me.” 

“ You went into the library as soon as he was alone?’* 
“I did.” 

“At what hour was this?” 

“A few minutes past twelve.” 

‘ ‘ Was that the last time you saw Mr. Mainwaring living ?* * 

“It was.” 

“ Can you state whether any one was in his rooms after 
you left?” 
s 


65 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


** I cannot.” 

*‘Mr. Scott, by your own statement, you must have 
been in Mr. Mainwaring’s library within an hour preceding 
his death; consequently, I would like you to give every 
detail of that interview.” 

am perfectly willing, sir, but there are few to give. 
The interview occupied possibly ten minutes. Mr. Main- 
waring appeared very weary, and, after giving directions 
regarding any personal mail or telegrams which might be 
received, stated that he wished me to consider myself his 
guest on the following day and join in the festivities of the 
occasion. I thanked him, and, wishing him good-night, 
withdrew. ’ ’ 

‘^In which room were you?” 

^‘We were both in the library. When I first entered, 
Mr. Mainwaring was walking back and forth, his hands 
folded behind him, as was usually his habit when thinking 
deeply, but he immediately seated himself and gave me my 
instructions. The tower-room was dimly lighted and the 
curtains were drawn quite closely together at the entrance.” 

‘‘ Did you hear any unusual sound after reaching your 
room ?’ * 

‘‘Not at that time. I was aroused about three o’clock 
this morning by what I thought was a stealthy step in the 
grounds in the rear of the house, but I listened for a 
moment and heard nothing more. ’ ’ 

“That will do for the present, Mr. Scott. You will 
probably be recalled later,” said the coroner, watching 
the secretary rather curiously. Then he added, in a 
different tone,— 

“The next witness is Mrs. LaGrange.” 

There was a perceptible stir throughout the crowd as, 
with a movement of inimitable grace, Mrs. LaGrange 
stepped forward, darting a swift glance of such venomous 

66 


A BATTLE ROYAL 


hatred towards Scott, as he again seated himself beside 
Miss Carleton, that the latter, with a woman’s quick 
intuition, instantly grasped the situation and watched the 
proceedings with new interest and closer attention. 

As Mrs. LaGrange took her place and began answering 
the questions addressed to her, the eager listeners pressed 
still more closely in their efforts to catch every word, feel- 
ing instinctively that some startling developments would be 
forthcoming ; but no one was prepared for the shock that 
followed when, in response to the request to state her full 
name, the reply came, in clear tones, with unequivocal 
distinctness, — 

** Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring.” 

For an instant an almost painful silence ensued, until 
Dr. Westlake said, — 

Will you state your relation to the deceased?” 
was the lawfully wedded, but unacknowledged, wife 
of Hugh Mainwaring, ’ ’ was the calm reply. 

** Please state when and where your marriage took place,” 
said the coroner, watching the witness narrowly. 

‘‘We were married privately in London, about three 
months before Mr. Mainwaring came to this country. ’ ’ 

“ How long ago was that?” 

“A little more than twenty-three years.” 

“You say that you were privately married, and that in 
all these years Mr. Mainwaring never acknowledged you as 
his wife ?’ ’ 

“Yes. I was at that time a widow, and, owing to 
certain unpleasant circumstances attending the last months 
of my former husband’s life, Mr. Mainwaring insisted that 
our marriage be strictly private. I acceded to his wishes, 
and we were married as quietly as possible. At the end 
of three months he deserted me, and for four years I did 
not even know where he had gone. During that time, 

67 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


however, I learned that my husband, who had been fearful 
of soiling his proud name by having it publicly joined with 
mine, was, in the sight of the law, a common criminal. 
I finally traced him to America, and five years after he 
deserted me I had the pleasure of confronting him with 
the facts which I had obtained. With passionate protesta- 
tions of renewed love and fair promises of an honorable 
married life, he sought to purchase my silence, and, fool 
that I was ! I yielded. He claimed that he could not at 
once acknowledge me as his wife, because he was already 
known as an unmarried man, but in the near future we 
would repeat the marriage ceremony and I should be the 
honored mistress of his heart and home. I believed him 
and waited. Meantime, our child was born, and then a new 
rdle had to be adopted. Had he not known that he was 
in my power, I would then have been thrust out homeless 
with my babe, but he dared not do that. Instead, I was 
brought to Fair Oaks dressed in widow’s garb, as a distant 
relative of his who was to be his housekeeper. So, for my 
son’s sake, hoping he would some day receive his rights, 
I have lived a double life, regarded as a servant where I 
should have been mistress, and holding that poor position 
only because it was within my power to put the master of 
the house in a felon’s cell !” 

‘^Can you produce the certificate of this marriage?” 
inquired the coroner, regarding the witness with a searching 
glance as she paused in her recital. 

Unfortunately,” she replied, in a tone ringing with 
scorn and defiance, ‘‘I cannot produce our marriage cer- 
tificate, as my husband kept that in his possession, and 
frequently threatened to destroy it. If it is in existence, 
it will be found in his safe ; but I can produce a witness 
who was present at our marriage, and who himself signed 
the certificate. ’ ’ 


68 


A BATTLE ROYAL 


* ^ State the name of this witness. ’ * 

Richard Hobson, of London.’* 

‘‘You are then acquainted with this Hobson?” the 
coroner inquired, at the same time making an entry in 
the memorandum he held. 

“Naturally, as he was at one time my husband’s at- 
torney. ’ ’ 

“ He called at Fair Oaks yesterday, did he not?” 

“He did.” 

“ Do you know whether he called more than once?” 

“ He came a second time, in the evening, accompanied 
by his clerk. ’ ’ 

“Was his object at either time to secure an interview 
with Mr. Mainwaring?” 

“ He called to see me on private business.” 

‘ ‘ Had he any intention of meeting Mr. Mainwaring 
later?” 

“ I know nothing regarding his intentions.” 

“Mrs. LaGrange,” said the coroner, after a pause, 
“you were in Mr. Mainwaring’ s library between the hours 
of eleven and twelve last night, were you not ?’ ’ 

Her face darkened with anger at his form of address. 
“ I was in my husband’s library at that hour,” she replied. 

“ How long were you there?” 

“I cannot state exactly,” she answered, indifferently; 
“perhaps half an hour.” 

“ Did Mr. Scott repeat correctly your words to Mr. 
Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

“I have no doubt that he did. His memory on the 
subject is much better than mine.” 

“What was the meaning of your threat to Mr. Main- 
waring, that you would make him and his friends regret 
the day’s proceedings?” 

“ He understood my meaning. He knew that I could 
- 69 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


set aside the will, and could ruin him by exposing his 
duplicity and fraud.’* 

What reply did he make?” 

‘‘He answered me, as usual, with sneers; but I saw 
that he felt somewhat apprehensive. I wished to give him 
a little time to reflect upon a proposition I had made, and 
I left the library, intending to return later; but,” she 
added, slowly and significantly, “I was superseded by 
another visitor. ’ ’ 

“Explain your meaning,” said the coroner, briefly. 

“My husband’s private secretary entered the library 
directly after I left. Some thirty minutes later I passed 
down the corridor towards the library, and was startled to 
hear Mr. Mainwaring, in loud and excited tones, de- 
nouncing some one as a liar and an impostor. The reply 
was low, in a voice trembling with rage, but I caught the 
words, ‘You are a liar and a thief! If you had your 
deserts, you would be in a felon’s cell to-night, or trans- 
ported to the wilds of Australia 1’ There was much more 
in the same tone, but so low I could not distinguish the 
words, and, thinking Mr. Mainwaring was likely to be 
occupied for some time, I immediately retired to my 
room.” 

“ Was the voice of the second speaker familiar to you?” 
inquired Dr. Westlake, in the breathless silence that fol- 
lowed this statement. 

A half smile, both cunning and cruel, played around 
the lips of the witness, as she answered, with peculiar 
emphasis and with a ring of triumph in her tone, — 

“ The voice was somewhat disguised, but it was distinctly 
recognizable as that of Mr. Scott, the private secretary. ’ ’ 

To Scott himself, these words came with stunning force, 
not so much for the accusation which they conveyed, as 
that her recital of those words spoken within the library 

70 


A BATTLE ROYAL 


seemed but the repetition of words which had rung in his 
brain the preceding night, as, alone in his room, he had, 
in imagination, confronted his employer with the proof of 
his guilt which that afternoon’s search had brought to light. 
His fancy had vividly portrayed the scene in which he 
would arraign Hugh Mainwaring as a thief, and would 
himself, in turn, be denounced as an impostor until he 
should have established his claims by the indubitable evi- 
dence now in his possession. Such a scene had in reality 
been enacted, — those very words had been spoken, — and, 
for an instant, it seemed to Scott as though he had been, 
unconsciously, one of the actors. 

The general wonder and consternation with which he 
was now regarded by the crowd quickly recalled him, 
however, to the present situation, and awakened within 
him a sudden, fierce resentment, though he remained out- 
wardly calm. 

‘^At that time,” continued the coroner, ^‘wereyouof 
the opinion that it was Mr. Scott whom you heard thus 
addressing Mr. Mainwaring?” 

‘^Yes, I had every reason to believe it was he, and I 
have now additional reasons for the same belief. ’ ’ 

** Are these additional reasons founded on your own 
personal knowledge, or on the information of others ?’ ’ 

‘‘Upon information received from various members of 
the household. ’ ’ 

“ Did you see Mr. Scott leave the library?” 

“ i did not.” 

“Can you state about what time you heard this con- 
versation ?’ ’ 

“ I went immediately to my room, and there found that 
it lacked only ten minutes of one. ’ ’ 

“ Did you hear any unusual sound afterwards?” 

“I did not. I heard no one in the halls j and Mr. 

71 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Mainwaring’s apartments were so remote from the general 
sleeping-rooms that no sound from there, unless very loud, 
could have reached the other occupants of the house. ’ ’ 
Further questions failed to develop any evidence of 
importance, and the witness was temporarily dismissed. 
Glancing at his watch, the coroner remarked, — 

‘‘It is nearly time to adjourn, but if Mr. Hardy has 
returned we will first hear what he has to report. ’ ^ 

As the valet again came forward. Dr. Westlake asked, 
“ Were you able to learn anything concerning the strangers 
who were here yesterday ?’ ’ 

“ Not very much, sir,” was the reply. “ I went to the 
Arlington first and inquired for Mr. J. Henry Carruthers, 
and they told me there was no such person registered there ; 
but they said a man answering that description, tall and 
wearing dark glassess, came into the hotel last evening and 
took dinner and sat for an hour or so in the office reading 
the evening papers. He went out some time between 
seven and eight o’clock, and they had seen nothing more 
of him.” 

“Was Richard Hobson at the Arlington?” 

“No, sir; but I went to the Riverside, and found 
R. Hobson registered there. They said he came in in the 
forenoon and ordered a carriage for Fair Oaks. He came 
back to lunch, but kept his room all the afternoon. He 
had a man with him in his room most of the afternoon, 
but he took no meals there. After dinner Hobson went 
out, and nobody knew when he came back; but he was 
there to breakfast, and took the first train to the city. 
I made some inquiries at the depot, and the agent said 
there was a tall man, in a gray ulster and with dark 
glasses, who took the 3.10 train this morning to the city, 
but he didn’t notice him particularly. That was all I could 
learn.” 


72 


A BATTLE ROYAL 


As the hour was late, the inquest was then adjourned 
until ten o’clock the next morning. Every one connected 
with the household at Fair Oaks was expected to remain 
on the premises that night ; and, dinner over, the gentle- 
men, including Mr. Whitney, locked themselves within 
the large library to discuss the inevitable contest that 
would arise over the estate and to devise how, with the 
least possible delay, to secure possession of the pro- 
perty. 

Later in the evening Harry Scott came down from his 
room for a brief stroll through the grounds. A bitter 
smile crossed his face as he noticed the brightly illumined 
library and heard the eager, excited tones within, re- 
membering the dimly-lighted room above with its silent 
occupant, unloved, unmourned, unthought of, in marked 
contrast to the preceding night, when Hugh Mainwaring 
lavished upon his guests such royal entertainment and was 
the recipient of their congratulations and their professions 
of esteem and regard. 

As he paced slowly up and down the avenues, his 
thoughts were not of the present, but of the past and 
future. At the earliest opportunity that day he had re- 
turned to the city, ostensibly, to attend to some telegraphic 
despatches, but his main errand had been to consult with 
an eminent lawyer whom he knew by reputation, and in 
whom both Hugh Mainwaring and Mr. Whitney, in nu- 
merous legal contests, had found a powerful and bitter 
opponent. To him Scott had intrusted his own case, 
giving him the fullest details, and leaving in his possession 
for safe keeping the proofs which were soon to play so 
important a part ; and Mr. Sutherland, the attorney re- 
tained by Scott, had been present at the inquest, apparently 
as a disinterested spectator, but, in reality, one of the most 
intensely interested of them all. 

73 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE WEAVING OF THE WEB 

Ten o’clock found an eager crowd assembled in and 
about the large library at Fair Oaks, drawn by reports of 
the sensational features developed on the preceding day. 
The members of the household occupied nearly the same 
positions as'on the preceding afternoon, with the exception 
of the secretary, who had entered the room a little in 
advance of the others and had seated himself near the 
coroner. 

Notwithstanding the glances of doubt and distrust which 
Scott encountered, and his own consciousness that suspicion 
against himself would deepen as all the facts in the case 
became known, he was as impassive as ever. Even Mr. 
Whitney was wholly at a loss to account for the change 
in the bearing of the secretary. He was no longer the 
employee, but carried himself with a proud independence, 
as though conscious of some mysterious vantage-ground. 

On the other side of the coroner, but conveniently near 
Scott, was Mr. Sutherland, while in the rear, commanding 
a good view of both gentlemen, as well as of nearly every 
face in the room, sat Mr. Merrick, though to a stranger 
his manner would have implied the utmost indifference to 
the proceedings. 

The first witness called for by the coroner was Johnson, 
the butler. For the first five or ten minutes his testimony 
was little more than a corroboration of that given by the 
valet on the preceding day, of the discovery of the death 
of Hugh Mainwaring. 


74 


THE WEAVING OF THE WEB 


‘‘You say,” said the coroner, “that at Mr. Whitney’s 
request you remained in the upper hall, near the library 
and within call ?’ ’ 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Will you state how long a time you should think 
elapsed between the alarm given by Hardy and the ap- 
pearance of the entire household, including both the guests 
and the servants ?’ ’ 

“Well, sir, Hardy gave the alarm a little after seven. 
The servants were already up and crowded around there 
immediately, and I should say that every, one, including 
the ladies, was out within twenty minutes, or thirty at the 
latest, with the exception of Mrs. LaGrange and her son. ’ ’ 

“ At what time did the latter appear?” 

“It must have been considerably after eight o’clock, 
sir, when she came to the library in response to a message 
from Mr. Whitney.” 

“And her son ?” 

“I did not see Mr. Walter LaGrange at all during the 
forenoon, sir.” 

“ How was that ?’ ’ inquired Dr. Westlake, rather quickly. 
“ Was he not at Fair Oaks?” 

“ I cannot say, sir. I did not see him until luncheon.” 

“When did you last see Mr. Mainwaring?” 

“A little after eleven o’clock night before last, — Wed- 
nesday night, — ^sir. I was in the hall as he passed up- 
stairs, to his rooms, and I heard him ask Mr. Scott to come 
to his library. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Did there seem to be any coldness or unpleasantness 
between them ? 

“ No, sir; they both appeared the same as usual.” 

“ Did any strangers call at Fair Oaks Wednesday aside 
from those mentioned yesterday?” 

“No, sir.” 


75 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Will you describe the strangers who were here, stating 
when they called and any particulars you are able to give ?’ * 

** The man giving his name as R. Hobson called between 
eleven and twelve, Wednesday morning. He was tall, 
with thin features, small, dark eyes, and a very soft voice. 
He came in a carriage, inquired for Mrs. LaGrange, and 
seemed in considerable haste. He stayed about an hour. 
The gentleman who called about four in the afternoon also 
came in a carriage and inquired for Mr. Mainwaring, 
saying he had been directed to Fair Oaks at the city offices 
of Mainwaring & Co. On learning that Mr. Mainwaring 
was out, he asked for the secretary ; and I took his card to 
Mr. Scott, who gave directions to have him shown up into 
the library. I do not know when he left. He was tall, 
with black hair and moustache and dark glasses. ' * 

Mr. Hobson’s call occasioned considerable comment 
at luncheon, did it not ?’ ’ 

‘‘Yes, sir.” 

“Did you observe that it had any effect on Mr. Main- 
waring ?’ ’ 

“ Well, sir, I thought he appeared considerably annoyed, 
and after luncheon he asked me whether Mr. Hobson had 
inquired for him. ’ ’ 

“Did you admit Hobson when he called in the even- 
ing?” 

“I did not, sir. I merely met him at the door and 
directed him to the south side entrance.” 

“At Mrs. LaGrange’ s request?” 

“Yes, sir; in accordance with her instructions.” 

“ Did she give any reason for such instructions?” 

“ Merely that his former call had caused so much remark 
she wished to receive him privately. ’ ’ 

“ Was he alone when he called the second time?” 

“No, sir.” 


76 


THE WEAVING OF THE WEB 


‘‘Can you describe the person who accompanied him?” 

“No, sir. The man stood so far in the shadow that I 
could only see the outlines of his form. I should say he 
was about the same height as Mr. Hobson, but considerably 
heavier. ’ * 

“ Do you know at what hour they left?” 

“No, sir.” 

Further questions failing to elicit any facts bearing upon 
the situation, the butler was dismissed, and Brown, the 
coachman, took his place. The latter was far less taciturn 
than the butler, seeming rather eager to impart some piece 
of information which he evidently considered of special 
importance. 

After a few preliminary questions, the coroner said, — 

“At what time, and from whom, did you first hear of 
Mr. Mainwaring’s death?” 

“About half-past seven, yesterday morning, sir. I was 
a-taking care of the horses, sir, when Uncle Mose — he’s 
the gardener, sir — :he comes past the stable on his way 
to the tool -house, and he tells me that Mr. Mainwaring 
had been murdered in the night, right in his own rooms, 
and then he tells me ’ ’ 

“ How long had you been up and at work in the 
stables ?’ ’ 

“Before I heard of the murder? Well, about an hour, 
I should say. I generally gets up at six. ’ ’ 

“ Had you been to the house that morning?” 

“No, sir; but I went right up there after seeing Uncle 
Mose, and I was in the kitchen telling what I had seen the 
night before, when the butler he comes down and said as how 
Mr. Ralph Mainwaring wanted me, and that I had better 
keep my mouth shut till I was asked to tell what I knew. ’ * 

“Where were you last Wednesday night?” asked the 
coroner, rather abruptly. 


77 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Brown looked surprised, but answered readily, ‘‘I was 
out with some friends of mine. We all went down to the 
city together that night and stayed out pretty late, and it 
seems a mighty good thing we did, too. ’ ’ 

‘‘Why so?” asked the coroner. 

“Well, sir,” said Brown, deliberately, glad of an op- 
portunity to tell his story and evidently determined to 
make the most of it, “as I said, we stayed out that night 
later than we meant to, and I didn’t waste no time getting 
home after I left the depot. So, when I got to Fair Oaks, 
I thought I’d take the shortest cut, and so I come in by 
the south gate, off from the side street, and took the path 
around the lake to get to the stables.” 

“What lake do you mean?” interrupted the coroner. 

“ The small lake back of the grove in the south part of 
the grounds. Well, I was hurrying along through that 
grove, and all of a sudden I seen a man standing on the 
edge of the lake with his back towards me. He was very 
tall, and wore an ulster that came nearly to his feet, and 
he looked so queer that I stepped out of the path and 
behind some big trees to watch him. I hadn’t no more 
than done so, when he stooped and picked up something, 
and come right up the path towards me. The moon was 
shining, had been up about two hours, I should say, but 
his back was to the light and I couldn’t see his face, nor I 
didn’t want him to see me. After he’d got by I stepped out 
to watch him and see if he went towards the house, but he 
didn’t; he took the path I had just left and walked very 
fast to the south gate and went out onto the side street. ’ ’ 

“ In which direction did he then go?” asked the coro- 
ner. 

“ He went up onto the main avenue and turned towards 
the town. ’ ’ 

“ Can you describe his appearance?” 

78 


THE WEAVING OF THE WEB 

** Only that he was tall and had very black hair ; but his 
face was in the shadow, so I couldn’t tell how he looked.” 

** What did he pick up from the ground ?” 

couldn’t see very plain, but it looked like a small, 
square box done up in paper. ’ ’ 

You did not try to call any one?” 

‘‘No, sir. The man didn’t go near the house, and I 
didn’t think much about it until Uncle Mose told me 
yesterday morning that the night before he seen ’ ’ 

“ Never mind what he saw ; we will let him tell his own 
story. Was that all you saw ?’ ’ 

“No, sir; it wasn’t,” replied Brown, with a quick side 
glance towards Mrs. LaGrange, who occupied the same 
position as on the preceding day. “I was going along 
towards the stables, thinking about that man, and all of a 
sudden I noticed there was a bright light in one of the 
rooms up-stairs. The curtains wasn’t drawn, and I thought 
I’d see whose room it was, so I walked up towards the 
house carefully, and I saw Mr. Mainwaring’s secretary. He 
looked awfully pale and haggard, and was walking up and 
down the room kind of excited like. Just then I happened 
to step on the gravelled walk and he heard me, for he 
started and looked kind of frightened and listened a mo- 
ment, and then he stepped up quick and extinguished the 
light, and I was afraid he’d see me then from the window, 
so I hurried off. But I thought ’twas mighty queer ” 

“Mr. Scott was dressed, was he?” interrupted the 
coroner. 

“Yes, sir,” Brown answered, sullenly. 

“ Did you go directly to your room?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“What time was this ?’ ’ 

“ I heard the clock strike three just after I got in.” 

“ You saw or heard nothing more?” 

79 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


^'No, sir.” 

‘‘You knew nothing of what had occurred at the house 
until the gardener told you in the morning ?’ ' 

— yes — no, sir,” Brown stammered, with another 
glance towards Mrs. LaGrange, who was watching him 
closely. 

“What did you say?” demanded the coroner. 

“I said I didn’t know what had happened till Uncle 
Mose told me, ’ ’ Brown answered, doggedly. 

“That will do,” said the coroner, watching the witness 
narrowly as he resumed his place among the servants. 

During the latter part of Brown’s testimony, quick, tele- 
graphic glances had been exchanged between Scott and 
Mr. Sutherland, and one or two slips of paper, unobserved 
by any one but Merrick, had passed from one to the other. 

Scott was well aware that the statements made by the 
coachman had deepened suspicion against himself. He 
paid little attention to the crowd, however, but noted 
particularly the faces of the guests at Fair Oaks. Ralph 
Mainwaring’s, dark with anger; that of the genial Mr. 
Thornton coldly averted; young Mainwaring’s supercilious 
stare, and his sister’s expression of contemptuous disdain ; 
and as he studied their features his own grew immobile as 
marble. Suddenly his glance encountered Miss Carleton’s 
face and was held for a moment as though under a spell. 
There w'as no weak sentimentality there, no pity or sym- 
pathy, — he would have scorned either, — ^but the perfect 
confidence shining in her eyes called forth a quick response 
from his own, though not a muscle stirred about the stemly- 
set mouth. She saw and understood, and, as her eyes fell, 
a smile, inexplicable and mysterious, flashed for an instant 
across her face and was gone. 

“John Wilson,” announced the coroner, after a slight 
pause. 


So 


THE WEAVING OF THE WEB 


A middle-aged man, rather dull in appearance, except 
for a pair of keenly observant eyes, stepped forward with 
slow precision. 

‘‘You are Mr. Ralph Mainwaring’s valet, I believe?’^ 
said the coroner. 

“ That I am, sir,” was the reply. 

“ Have you been for some time in his employ?” 

The man peered sharply at Dr. Westlake from under his 
heavy brows, and replied, with great deliberation, ‘‘Nigh 
onto thirty years, sir. ’ ’ 

Then, noting the surprise in his interlocutor’s face, he 
added, with dignity, “The Wilsons, sir, have served the 
Mainwarings for three generations. My father, sir, was 
valet to the father of the dead Hugh Mainwaring, the 
Honorable Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, sir.” 

A smile played over the features of young Mainwaring 
at these words, but Scott started involuntarily, and, after 
studying Wilson’s face intently for a moment, hastily pen- 
cilled a few words on a slip of paper which he handed to 
Mr. Sutherland, and both watched the witness with special 
interest. 

His testimony differed little from that given by Hardy 
and by the butler. He stated, however, that, after accom- 
panying Mr. Ralph Mainwaring to the scene of the murder, 
the latter sent him to summon Mr. Scott ; but on his way to 
the young gentleman’s room he saw Mr. Whitney in advance 
of him, who called the secretary and immediately returned 
with him to the library. 

“Was Mr. Scott already up when Mr. Whitney called 
him?” the coroner inquired, quickly. 

“ He was up and dressed, sir,” was the reply. 

Wilson also corroborated the butler’s statement that 
Walter LaGrange was not seen about the premises until 
luncheon, and stated, in addition, that the horse belonging 

6 8i 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


to young LaGrange was missing from the stables until 
nearly noon. Having mingled very little with the servants 
at Fair Oaks, he had but slight knowledge concerning the 
occurrences of the day preceding the murder. His testi- 
mony was therefore very brief. 

‘‘Katie O’Brien, chambermaid,” was next called; and 
in response a young Irish woman quietly took her place 
before the coroner. She answered the questions addressed 
her as briefly as possible, but with deliberation, as though 
each word had been carefully weighed. 

“Did you have charge of the private rooms of Mr. 
Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ You took care of his rooms as usual Wednesday?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ Did you see Mr. Mainwaring during thi^e day or 
evening ?’ ’ 

“ I met him once or twice in the halls.” 

“ When did you last see him?” 

“ About two o’clock Wednesday afternoon.” 

“ State how you first heard of his death.” 

“I was working in the halls up-stairs about seven that 
morning and heard running back and forth, as if there was 
trouble. I went out into the front hall and met the butler, 
and he told me Mr. Mainwaring had been murdered.” 

“ Did you go in to see him at that time?” 

“Yes, sir, for a moment.” 

“ Did you notice anything unusual in his rooms?” 

“I didn’t notice anything unusual in Mr. Mainwaring’s 
rooms. ’ ’ 

“ Did you in any room?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ In what one?” 

“ In Mr. Scott’s room, a little later.” 

82 


THE WEAVING OF THE WEB 


** State what you observed. ’ ’ 

A few minutes after I left the library I saw Mr. Scott 
come out of his room and go away with Mr. Whitney, and 
I thought I would go in and do up the room. So I went 
in, but the bed was just as I had made it up the day before. 
It hadn’t been slept in nor touched. Then things was 
strewn around considerable, and the top drawer of his 
dressing-case was kept locked all the forenoon until he 
went to the city. ’ ’ 

When did he go to the city?” 

‘‘About noon.” 

“ Did you see Mr. Scott the day or evening preceding 
Mr. Mainwaring’s death ?” 

“No, sir; but I know he was locked in Mr. Main- 
waring’s library all the afternoon, after the folks had gone 
out driving.” 

‘ ‘ How do you know the library was locked ?’ ’ 

“ I was sweeping in the corridor, and I heard him unlock 
the door when the butler came up with some gentleman’s 
card. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Did you see the gentleman who came up-stairs later ?’ ’ 

“No, sir.” 

“ Did you see Walter LaG range at any time during 
yesterday forenoon?” 

The witness colored slightly, but replied, “I think I 
met him once or twice; I don’t remember just when.” 

“He was away from home part of the time, was he 
not?” 

“ I don’t know where he was.” 

Nothing further of importance could be learned from 
the witness, and, as it was then past twelve, a short recess 
was taken until after lunch. 

Scott took his place at the table with the guests, seem- 
ingly alike indifferent to cold aversion or angry frowns. 

83 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


He was conscious that Miss Carleton was watching him, 
her manner indicating the same frank friendliness she had 
shown him on the preceding day, and in response to a 
signal from her, as they rose from the table, he followed 
her into one of the drawing-rooms, joining her in a large 
alcove window, where she motioned him to a seat on a low 
divan by her side. 

“You have made a bitter enemy in Mrs. LaG range,” 
she said, archly; “and she has marshalled her forces 
against you.” 

“ Do you think so?” he asked, with an amused smile. 
“Certainly. She displayed her tactics this morning. 
I am positive that much of the testimony was given in 
accordance with her orders. ’ ’ 

“ For the most part, however, the witnesses stated facts,” 
Scott replied, watching her closely. 

“Yes; but facts may be so misrepresented as to give an 
impression quite the reverse of the truth. ’ ’ 

“ That is so. And a misrepresentation having a founda- 
tion of truth is the hardest to fight. But,” he added, in a 
lighter tone, “all this testimony against me does not seem 
to have produced the same impression upon you that it has 
upon the others. Your suspicions do not seem, as yet, to 
have been very thoroughly aroused. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps my suspicions are as dormant as your own 
apprehensions. I fail to detect the slightest anxiety on 
your part as to the outcome of this, one way or another. ’ ’ 
“No,” he replied, after a pause; “I feel no anxiety, 
only resentment that circumstances have conspired against 
me just at this time, and contempt for people who will be 
led by appearances rather than their own judgment.” 

“ People sometimes use very little judgment where their 
own personal interests are concerned. ’ ’ 

“ In that case,” said Scott, as they rose to return to the 
84 



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4 


THE WEAVING OF THE WEB 

library, where the others had already preceded them, ‘‘I 
suppose the word of one unprincipled woman and of three 
or four ignorant servants will be allowed to outweigh 
mine. ’ ’ 

They had reached the library and Miss Carleton made 
no reply, but Scott again saw the same inscrutable little 
smile play over her features, and wondered at its meaning. 


85 


CHAPTER IX 


TANGLED THREADS 

Upon resuming the examination, the first witness called 
for was Mary Catron, the second cook, a woman about 
thirty-five years of age, with an honest face, but one 
indicative of a fiery temper. Her testimony was brief, 
but given with a directness that was amusing. When 
questioned of the occurrences of the day preceding the 
murder, she replied, — 

‘‘I know nothing of what went on except from the 
gossip of the rest. My place was in the kitchen, and I 
had too much to do that day to be loitering round in the 
halls, leaning on a broom-handle, and listening at key- 
holes, ’ ’ and she cast a glance of scathing contempt in the 
direction of the chambermaid. 

*‘Did this ‘gossip’ that you speak of have any bearing 
on what has since occurred ?’ ’ the coroner inquired. 

“Well, sir, it might and it mightn’t. ’Twas mostly 
about the will that Mr. Mainwaring was making; and as 
how them that got little was angry that they didn’t get 
more, and them as got much was growling at not getting 
the whole.” 

“How did the servants gain any knowledge of this 
will?” 

“ That’s more than I can say, sir, except as I knows the 
nature of some folks.” 

Upon further questioning, the witness stated that on the 
night of the murder, between the hours of two and three, 
she was aroused by a sound like the closing of an outside 


TANGLED THREADS 


door^ but on going to one of the basement windows to 
listen, she heard nothing further and concluded she had 
been mistaken. 

‘‘Did you see the coachman at that time?” she was 
asked. 

“A few minutes later I looked out again and I see him 
gaping and grinning at the house and jabbering to himself 
like an idiot, and I was minded to send him about his 
business if he hadn’t a-took himself off when he did.” 

“ He was perfectly sober, was he not?” 

‘ ‘ Sober for aught that I know ; but, to my thinking, 
he’s that daft that he’s noways responsible for aught that 
he says. ’ ’ 

“ Were you up -stairs soon after the alarm was given?” 
asked the coroner, when she had told of hearing from the 
butler the news of the murder. 

“Yes, sir; I went up as soon as ever I heard what had 
happened. ’ ’ 

“ Who was in the library at that time?” 

“Nobody but some of the servants, sir. I met Mr. 
Whitney just as I came out.” 

“ Did you meet any one else?” 

“I met no one, but I saw the housekeeper coming Out' 
of her son’s room. She didn’t see me ; but she was telling 
him to get ready quick to go somewheres, and I heard her 
say to hurry, for every minute was precious. ’ ’ 

Louis Picot, the head cook, could give no information 
whatever. When the alarm was given, he had rushed, 
with the other servants, to the scene of the murder, and 
in his imperfect English, accompanied by expressive French' 
gestures, he tried to convey his horror and grief at the 
situation, but that was all. 

The two maids who attended the English ladies were ' 
next called upon ; but their testimony was mainly corrobo- 

87 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


rative of that given by the chambermaid, except that 
Sarah Whitely, Miss Carleton’s maid, stated, in addition, 
that she had seen Mr. Walter LaG range leave his mother’s 
room in great haste and go down-stairs, and a little later, 
from one of the upper windows, saw him riding away from 
the stables in the direction of the south gate. 

But one servant remained, Uncle Mose,” as he was 
familiarly called, the old colored man having charge of 
the grounds at Fair Oaks. His snow-white hair and bent 
form gave him a venerable appearance; but he was still 
active, and the Sjhrewd old face showed both humor and 
pathos as he proceeded with his story. He had been a 
slave in his younger days, and still designated his late 
employer by the old term ‘ ^ mars’ r.” He was a well- 
known character to many present, including Dr. Westlake, 
who knew that in this instance questions would have to be 
abandoned and the witness allowed to tell his story in his 
own way. 

“Well, Uncle Mose, you have been employed at Fair 
Oaks for a long time, haven’t you?” 

“ Moah dan twenty yeahs, sah, I’se had charge ob dese 
y’er grounds; an’ mars’ r Mainwaring, he t’ ought nobody 
but ole Mose cud take cyah ob ’em, sah.” 

“You were about the grounds as usual Wednesday, were 
you not ?’ ’ 

“I was ’bout de grounds all day, sah, ’case dere was a 
pow’ ful lot to do a-gittin’ ready for de big doins dere was 
goin' to be on mars’ r’s birfday.” 

“ Did you see either of the strangers who called that 
day?” 

“I’se a-comin’ to dat d’rectly, sah. You see, sah, I 
wants to say right heah, befo’ I goes any furder, dat I 
don’ know nofhn ’cept what tuk place under my own 
obserbation. I don’ feel called upon to ’spress no ’pinions 


TANGLED THREADS 


’bout nobody. I jes’ wants to state a few recurrences dat 
I noted at de time, speshally ’bout dem strangers as was 
heah in pertickeler. Well, sah, de fust man, he come 
heah in de mawnin’ . De Inglish gentlemens, dey had been 
a-walkin’ in de grounds and jes’ done gone roun’ de corner 
ob de house to go to mars’ r Mainwaring’s liberry, when 
dis man he comes up de av’nue in a kerridge, an’ de fust 
ting I heah ’im a-cussin’ de driver. Den he gets out and 
looks roun’ kind o’ quick, jes’ like de possum in de kohn, 
as ef he was ’fraid somebody done see ’im. I was fixin’ 
de roses on de front poach, an’ I looked at ’im pow’ful 
sharp, an’ when de dooh opened he jumped in quick, as 
ef he was glad to get out o’ sight. Well, sah, I didn’t 
like de ’pearance ob dat man, an’ I jes’ fought I’d get 
anoder look at ’im, but he stayed a mighty long time, sah, 
an’ bime’by I had to go to de tool-house, an’ when I gets 
back the kerridge was gone. ’ ’ 

‘‘Could you describe the man. Uncle Mose?” the coro- 
ner asked. 

“No, sah, I don’ know as I could ’scribe ’im perzacly; 
but I’d know ’im, no matter where I sot eyes on ’im, and I 
know’d ’im the nex’ time I see ’im. Well, sah, dat aft’- 
noon, mars’ r Mainwaring an’ de folks had gone out ridin’, 
an’ I was roun’ kind o’ permiscuous like, an’ I see anoder 
kerridge way down de av’nue by de front gate, an’ I waited, 
’spectin’ maybe I’d see dat man again. While I was waitin’ 
by de front dooh, all ob a sudden a man come roun’ from 
de side, as ef he come from mars’ r Mainwaring’s liberry, 
but he was anoder man. ’ ’ 

“ Didn’t he look at all like the first man?’’ inquired the 
coroner. 

“No, sah; he looked altogedder diff’rent; but I don’ 
know as I could state whar’in de differensiashun consisted, 
sah. Dis man was berry good lookin’ ’ceptin’ his eyes, 

89 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


an’ dem yoh cudn’ see, 'case he had on cull’ed glasses. 
Mebbe his eyes was pow’ful weak, er mebbe he didn’t 
want nobody to see ’em; but I ’spicioned dem glasses 
d’rectly, sah, an’ I watched ’im. He goes down to de 
kerridge an’ takes out a coat an’ says sump’ in to de driver, 
an’ de kerridge goes away tow’ds de town, an’ he walks 
off de Oder way. Bime’by I see ’im gwine back again 

on de Oder side ob de street ’ ’ 

Was he alone?” interrupted the coroner. 

**Yes, sah; an’ I done kep’ my eye on ’im, an’ he 
didn’ go on to de town, but tuhned down de fust side 
street. Well, sah, I didn’ see no moah ob ’im den ; but 
dat ebenin’ I’d ben a-workin’ roun’ de house, sprinklin’ 
de grass and gettin’ ready foh de nex’ day, when I happens 
to pass by de side dooh, an’ I sees dem two men cornin’ 
out togedder. ’ ’ 

‘‘What time was this. Uncle Mose?” the coroner asked, 
quickly. 

“Well, sah,” said the old man, reflectively, “my 
mem’ry is a little derelictions on dat p’int, but I knows 
’twas gettin’ putty late. ” 

“Are you sure these were the same two men you had 
seen earlier in the day ?’ ’ 

“Yes, sah; ’case I stepped in de bushes to watch ’em. 
Dey talked togedder berry low, an’ den one man goes 
back into de house, an’ I seen ’im plain in de hall light, 
an’ he was de fust man ; an’ while I was a-watchin’ ’ im, 
de Oder man he disappeahed an’ I cudn’ see ’im nowhar, 
but I know’d he was de man dat came in de aft’ noon, 
’case he look jes’ like ’im, an’ toted a coat on his arm. 
Well, sah, I t’inks it a berry cur’ is sarcumstance, an’ I was 
jes’ cornin’ to de preclushun dat I’d mention it to some ob 
de fambly, when de fust man, he come to de dooh wid de 
housekeeper. I was in de shadder and dey didn’ see me, 

90 


TANGLED THREADS 


but I heah ’im say, kind o’ soft like, 'Remember, my 
deah lady, dis is a biz’ ness contract; I does my part, an’ 
I ’spects my pay.’ An’ she says, 'Oh, yes, yoh shall 
hab yohr money widout fail.’ An’ I says to myse’f, 
' Mose, yoh ole fool, what you stan’in’ heah foh? Dat 
ain’t nuffin dat consarns yoh nohow,’ an’ I goes home, an’ 
dat’s all I know, sah. But I’se ben pow’ful sorry eber 
sence dat I didn’ let mars’ r Mainwaring know ’bout it, 
’case I has my ’spicions,” and the old darkey shook his 
head, while the tears coursed down his furrowed cheeks. 

"How did you hear of Mr. Mainwaring’s death?” 
asked the coroner. 

' ' De coachman, he done tole me, sah. ’ ’ 

" Why, the coachman stated that you told him what had 
occurred.” 

" No, sah; he done tole me; I’d come up to de place 
pow’ful ahly dat mawnin’ ’case dere was to be such big 
doings dat day, an’ I was gwine to de tool-house foh 
sump’ in, an’ I see mars’ r Walter ridin’ away from de 
stables pow’ful fas’ on his boss ” 

" Do you mean Walter LaG range?” 

" Yes, sah; an’ de coachman he came out an’ I ax ’im 
whar de young man was gwine dat ahly, an’ he say mars’ r 
Mainwaring ben killed, an’ mars’ r Walter had to go to 
town as fas’ as his boss cud take ’im.” 

" Do you know when he returned ?” 

" He came back, sah, befo’ berry long, an’ den he went 
away agin and didn’t come back till mos’ noon.” 

When the old darkey had been dismissed the coachman 
was recalled. 

' ' What did you mean by stating that you first heard of 
Mr. Mainwaring’s death from the gardener, when the re- 
verse was the truth ?’ ’ 

" I don’t know,” he replied, carelessly; " I s’ pose I got 
91 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


mixed. I remember talking with him about it, and I thought 
he told me. ’ ’ 

‘‘You had forgotten the interview with Walter La- 
Grange, I presume.” 

Brown made no answei. 

“ Why did you not mention that ?” 

“ I wasn’t asked to,” he replied in insolent tones ; “ you 
said nothing to me about Mr. LaGrange. ’ ’ 

“You are expected to state in full every occurrence 
having any bearing on the situation. You may give the 
particulars of that interview now.” 

“There’s nothing to tell more than Uncle Mose told. 
I was working in the stables as usual, and Mr. LaGrange 
came in in a big hurry and ordered me to saddle his horse 
as quick as I could, that Mr. Mainwaring had been mur- 
dered, and he’d got to go to town.” 

“At what time was this?” 

“ About half-past seven, I should say.” 

“ Did he state his errand?” 

“No, sir.” 

“When did he return?” 

“ I saw his horse standing in the yard outside the stables 
about half an hour after, and then ’twas gone, and I didn’t 
see it again till noon. ’ ’ 

Walter LaGrange was next called. He stated that he 
had spent the greater part of the day preceding the mur- 
der away from Fair Oaks ; he had not been at home to 
luncheon or dinner, and consequently knew nothing of the 
strangers seen on the place that day. He had returned 
about half-past ten that evening, and remembered seeing 
Mr. Mainwaring and his guests seated on the veranda, but 
he had gone directly to his room without meeting any one. 
The first intimation which he had received of any unusual 
occurrence the next morning was when his mother entered 

92 


TANGLED THREADS 


his room and told him that Mr. Mainwaring had either 
been murdered or had committed suicide, no one knew 
which. 

‘‘ Was that her only object in coming to your room ?’* 

‘‘ No, sir ; she wanted me to do an errand for her.” 

** Will you state the nature of this errand?” 

It was only to deliver a note.” 

** To whom ?” 

‘‘To Mr. Hobson,” the young man answered weakly, 
while his mother frowned, the first sign of emotion of any 
kind which she had betrayed that day. 

“ Did you deliver the note ?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ Then, under your mother’s orders, you went to the 
city on your second trip, did you not ?’ ’ 

“Y — yes, sir.” 

“ Were you successful in finding Mr. Hobson there?” 

“Yes, sir,” the witness answered sullenly. 

“You had other business in the city aside from meeting 
him, had you not ?’ ’ 

Between the coroner’s persistence and his mother’s visi- 
ble signs of displeasure, Walter LaGrange was fast losing 
his temper. * 

“If you know so much about this business, I don’t see 
the use of your questioning me, ’ ’ he retorted angrily. “It’s 
no affair of mine anyway ; I had nothing to do with it, nor 
I won’t be mixed up in it; and if you want any informa- 
tion you’d better ask mother for it; it’s her business and 
none of mine.” 

After a few more questions, which the witness answered 
sullenly and in monosyllables, he was dismissed. 

“Mr. Higgenbotham,” announced the coroner. The 
greatest surprise was manifested on every side as the 
senior member of a well-known firm of jewellers stepped 

93 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


forward ; the same gentleman who had accompanied Mr. 
Whitney on his return from the city on the preceding day. 

** Mr. Higgenbotham, ” said the coroner, I believe you 
are able to furnish some testimony which will be pertinent 
at this time. ’ ’ 

^^Yes, Dr. Westlake,” responded the other, in deep, 
musical tones, ** I think possibly I can render you a little 
assistance in your investigations. ’ ’ 

‘‘Mr. Higgenbotham, do you recognize the young gen- 
tleman who has just given his testimony ?’ ’ 

“I do, sir,” said the witness, adjusting a pair of eye- 
glasses and gazing steadily at Walter LaG range. “I 
recall his features perfectly. ’ ’ 

“You were personally acquainted with the late Hugh 
Mainwaring, I believe?” 

“Yes, sir, intimately acquainted with him.” 

“You are, I believe, familiar with the Mainwaring 
jewels which are now missing ?’ ’ continued the coroner. 

Walter LaGrange looked uncomfortable and his mother’s 
cheek paled. 

“I am, sir; having had them repeatedly left in my 
possession for safe keeping during their owner’s absence 
from home ; and I have also a complete list of them, with 
a detailed description of every piece. ’ ’ 

“Very well, Mr. Higgenbotham, will you now please 
state when, and under what circumstances, you saw this 
young gentleman?” 

“I was seated in my private office yesterday morning, 
when my head clerk came in and asked me to step out into 
the salesrooms for a moment, as he said a young man was 
there trying to sell some very fine jewels, and, from his 
youth and his ignorance of their value, he feared some- 
thing was wrong. I went out immediately and saw this 
young gentleman, who handed me for inspection a superb 

94 


TANGLED THREADS 


diamond brooch and an elegant necklace of diamonds and 
pearls. I instantly recognized the gems as pieces from the 
old Mainwaring collection of jewels. Simultaneously there 
occurred to my mind the report of the murder of Hugh 
Mainwaring, which I had heard but a short time before, 
although then I knew nothing of the robbery. Naturally, 
my suspicions were awakened. I questioned the young 
man closely, however, and he stated that his home was at 
Fair Oaks, and that his mothef was a distant relative of 
Mr. Mainwaring’ s ; that the jewels were hers, and she 
wished to dispose of them for ready cash to meet an 
emergency. His story was so plausible that I thought 
possibly my suspicions had been somewhat hasty and pre- 
mature. Still, I declined to purchase the jewels; and 
when he left the store I ordered one of our private de- 
tectives to follow him and report to me. In the course of 
an hour the detective returned and reported that the young 
man had sold the jewels to a pawnbroker for less than one- 
fourth their actual value. About half an hour later I heard 
the news of the robbery at Fair Oaks, and that the family 
jewels were missing ; and knowing that Mr. Whitney was 
here, I immediately telephoned to him the facts which I 
have just stated. He came in to the city at once, and we 
proceeded to the pawnshop, where he also identified the 
jewels. ’ ’ 

Mr. Higgenbotham paused for a moment, producing a 
package from an inner pocket, which he proceeded to open. 

We secured a loan of the jewels for a few days,” he 
continued, advancing towards the coroner. ‘‘Here they 
are, and here is a copy of the list of which I spoke. By 
comparing these gems with the description of those which 
I have checked on the list, you will see that they are 
identical.” 

He placed the open casket on the table. There was a 
95 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


moment’s silence, broken by subdued exclamations of 
admiration as Dr. Westlake lifted the gems from their 
resting-place. 

You are correct,” he said; 'Hhe description is com- 
plete. There is no doubt that these are a part of the 
collection. I see you have marked the value of these two 
items as seven thousand dollars. ’ ’ 

‘‘Yes; that is a moderate valuation. And were the 
prices of the other articles carried out, you would see that, 
with the exception of a few very small pieces, these have 
the least value of the entire lot. I believe I can be of no 
further service. ’ ’ 

Mrs. LaGrange was next recalled. 

“ Have you anything to say in reference to the testimony 
just given ?’ ’ the coroner inquired. 

“I have this much to say,” she replied, haughtily, 
“that I could have given you the history of those jewels, 
including, perhaps, some facts of which even Mr. Higgen- 
botham and Mr. Whitney are in ignorance, and thus have 
spared you the infinite pains you have taken to make 
public the straits to which I was reduced, because of my 
position here, when in need of a little ready money. I 
could have informed you that they were originally a part 
of the old Mainwaring collection of gems, imtil they were 
given me by my husband. ’ ’ 

“ It hardly seems consistent that a man who treated his 
wife in the manner in which you claim to have been 
treated would bestow upon her gifts of such value as 
these,” the coroner remarked with emphasis. 

“They were of little value to him,” she answered, with 
scorn ; “as you have been informed, they were the poorest 
v/hich he possessed. Besides, there were times when I 
could persuade him to almost anything, — anything but to 
acknowledge his lawful wife and his legitimate son.” 

96 


TANGLED THREADS 


** Was the money which you were forced to raise by the 
sale of these jewels to be paid to Hobson?” 

‘‘It was.” 

‘ ‘ In accordance with the terms of your contract with 
him, made a few hours preceding the death of Mr. Main- 
waring ?’ ' 

“Yes,” she replied, defiantly. “And as you probably 
would ask the nature of that contract, I will save you the 
trouble Knowing that my son and I were likely to be 
defrauded of our rights in the same manner in which Hugh 
Mainwaring had defrauded others, I engaged Mr. Hobson 
as my attorney, as he, better than any one else, knew the 
facts in the case. When I learned yesterday morning of 
my husband’s death, I realized that I would have imme- 
diate need of his services, and accordingly sent him word 
to that effect. He demanded a large cash payment at 
once. The result of this demand Mr. Higgenbotham has 
already told you.” 

“ How was Hobson to secure for you your rights from 
Hugh Mainwaring?” 

“ That was left entirely to his own discretion.” 

“Will you describe the appearance of Mr. Hobson’s 
clerk?” 

“ Unfortunately, I am unable to do so. He was merely 
brought as a witness to our contract. I knew that he was 
present, but he remained in the shadow, and I took no 
notice of him whatever.” 

“Your contract, then, was a verbal one?” 

“It was.” 

Upon being closely questioned, Mrs. LaGrange reiterated 
her assertions of the preceding day, laying particular stress 
upon the alleged interview between Hugh Mainwaring and 
his secretary, after which she was dismissed, and Harry 
Scott was recalled. 


7 


97 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

Mr. Scott,” said the coroner, what were the relations 
existing between Mr. Mainwaring and yourself up to the 
time of his death?” 

Scott flushed slightly as he replied, Those ordinarily 
existing between employer and employed, except that I 
believe Mr. Mainwaring accorded me more than usual 
consideration, and I, while duly appreciative of his kind- 
ness, yet took especial pains never to exceed the bounds 
of an employee.” 

“ Were there ever any unpleasant words passed between 
you ?’ ’ 

* ^ None whatever. ’ ’ 

‘‘Was your last interview with Mr. Mainwaring of a 
friendly nature ?’ ’ 

“ Entirely so.” 

“What have you to say in reference to the testimony 
given to the effect that your voice was heard and recog- 
nized in angry conversation with Mr. Mainwaring at nearly 
one o’clock ?” 

“ I have to say that it is false, and without foundation.” 

“ Do you mean to say that the statement of the witness 
was wholly without truth?” 

“I do not deny that such an interview, as alleged by 
the witness, may have taken place, for that is something 
concerning which I have no knowledge whatever ; but I 
do deny that she heard my voice, or that I was in the 
library at that time, or at any time after about twenty 
minutes past twelve. ’ ’ 

“Was that the time at which you went to your 
room ?’ ’ 

“Very near that time, as my interview with Mr. Main- 
waring could not have exceeded ten minutes. ’ ' 

“ At what time did you retire ?’ ’ 

“I sat up very late that night, for my mind was so 
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TANGLED THREADS 


occupied with some personal matters that I felt no inclina- 
tion for sleep. I lighted a cigar and became so absorbed 
in my own thoughts that I was totally unaware of the lapse 
of time, until I was aroused by what I thought was a 
stealthy step outside. I then became conscious, for the 
first time, that I was very weary, both physically and 
mentally, and I also discovered that it was nearly three 
o’clock. Astonished to find it so late, and exhausted by 
hours of protracted thought, I threw myself as I was upon 
a low couch, where I slept soundly until awakened in the 
morning. ’ ’ 

Further questions failed to reveal any discrepancy in his 
statement, and he was dismissed. 

The testimony of Ralph Mainwaring and of his son 
added nothing of interest or importance. Mr. Thornton 
testified to his incidental meeting with Hobson and to the 
reputation which the man had borne in London. When 
he had resumed his seat the coroner remarked, — 

^‘As a matter of form, I will have to call upon the 
ladies, though it is not expected they will be able to 
furnish any information throwing light on this mysterious 
case.” 

It was, as he had said, little more than a ceremony 
and occupied but a few moments. Miss Carleton was the 
last one called upon. She stated that it was nearly eleven 
o’clock when she reached her room, but added that she 
did not retire immediately, as her cousin. Miss Thornton, 
had come in, and they had chatted together for more than 
an hour ; that while so engaged, she heard Mr. Scott come 
up-stairs and enter his room, which adjoined hers, and lock 
the door for the night. 

‘‘At what hour was this?” inquired the coroner. 

“ It could not have been more than twenty minutes after 
twelve, as it was twenty-five minutes after twelve when my 

99 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


cousin went to her room, and this was about five minutes 
earlier. ’ ’ 

‘ * Can you state whether or not he left his room within 
the next half-hour ?’ ’ 

I know that he did not,” she replied. ‘‘ I can testify 
that he remained in his room until after one o’clock. 
After my cousin left I discovered that the moon was just 
rising, and the view across the Hudson being extremely 
beautiful, as well as novel to me, I extinguished the light 
in my room and sat down by the open window to enjoy it. 
I heard Mr. Scott stepping quietly about his room for a 
few moments; then all was still. I sat for some time 
admiring the scenery, until I was aroused by hearing him 
pacing back and forth like a person in deep thought. I 
then found it was much later than I supposed, — nearly one 
o’clock, — and I immediately retired; but so long as I was 
awake I could hear him walking in his room.” 

As Miss Carleton finished her testimony it was evident 
that the tide of general opinion had turned somewhat in 
favor of the young secretary, but the latter quietly ignored 
the friendly glances cast in his direction. 

It was generally supposed that all testimony in the case 
had now been heard. Considerable surprise was, there- 
fore, manifested when the coroner nodded to Mr. Whitney, 
who, in turn, beckoned to some one in the hall. In 
response the butler appeared, ushering in a tall man, with 
cadaverous features and small, dark eyes, which peered 
restlessly about him. 

Richard Hobson,” announced the coroner. 

‘‘At your service, sir,” said the man, advancing with a 
cringing gait and fawning, apologetic smile. 

“Mr. Hobson,” said the coroner, after a few prelimi- 
naries, “ I understand you were somewhat acquainted with 
the late Hugh Mainwaring.” 


JOO 


TANGLED THREADS 


‘‘Well, yes, sir, somewhat the other replied in soft, 
insinuating tones, but with peculiar emphasis on the word 
used by Dr. Westlake. “Indeed, I might say, without 
exaggeration, that I was probably better acquainted with 
that estimable gentleman than was any one in this country. ’ ’ 

“ When did you last see Mr. Mainwaring?” 

“I have not seen him to speak with him for fully 
twenty-three years.” 

“You have corresponded with him, however, in that 
time?” 

The witness showed no surprise. 

“We exchanged a few letters while I was in England. 
I have neither heard from him nor written to him since 
coming to this country.” 

“When did you last see him, regardless of whether you 
spoke to him or not ?’ ’ 

“Probably within the last two or three weeks. I have 
occasionally met him on the street. ’ ’ 

“ Did Mr. Mainwaring see you at any of these times?” 

“ If he did, he did not recognize me.” 

“ Did you see him when you called at Fair Oaks, Wed- 
nesday, — either morning or evening?” 

“ I did not.” 

“Mr. Hobson, will you describe the man who accom- 
panied you when you called in the evening, Wednesday?” 

“I could give you a general description. He was a 
large man, about my own height, but heavier, and rather 
good looking, on the whole. But I am not good on details, 
such as complexion, color of hair, and so on ; and then, 
you know, those little things are very easily changed. ’ ’ 

“ What was his name ?’ ’ 

Mr. Hobson smiled blandly. “The name by which I* 
know him is John Carroll, but I have no idea as to his real 
He is a very eccentric character, many-sided as it 

lOI 


name. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


were, and I never know which side will come upper- 
most. ’ ’ 

** He is your clerk and in your employ, is he not?” 

** Agent, I think, would be a preferable term. He is in 
my employ, he transacts certain business for me, but he 
does it in his own way, and comes and goes at his own 
discretion. ’ ’ 

** Where is he at present ?’ ’ 

** I have no idea, sir.” 

** Did he leave for the city that night, or did he remain 
with you at the Riverside Hotel ?’ ’ 

‘‘Hewas not with me at the hotel except for a few 
hours. I have not the slightest idea from whence he came 
to see me, when he went away, or in what direction he 
went. He was in haste to be excused as soon as our joint 
business was done, and I have not seen him since. ’ ’ 

** Did he have on dark glasses that day?” 

** Not when I saw him, but that was only in my room at 
the hotel, and for a few moments in this house ; he would 
have no need for them at either place. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Did he not accompany you from the hotel to Fair 
Oaks?” 

^^No, sir; we met here by prearrangement.” 

‘‘When do you expect to see your agent again?” 

“Whenever he has any business reports to make,” 
Hobson replied, with an exasperating smile; “but I have 
no idea when that will be. He has other commissions to 
execute ; he is in the employ of others besides myself, and 
transacts some business on his own account also. ’ ’ 

“ I understand, Mr. Hobson, that you have repeatedly 
extorted money from Mr. Mainwaring by threatening to 
disclose facts in your possession regarding some question- 
able transaction. ’ ’ 

“No, sir; my action could not be termed extortion or 


102 


TANGLED THREADS 


blackmail within the meaning of the law, though to any 
one conversant with Mr. Mainwaring’s private correspond- 
ence it may have had that appearance. I was, however, 
merely making an effort to collect what was legally due 
me. Mr. Mainwaring, before leaving England, had volun- 
tarily bound himself to pay me a certain sum upon the 
condition that I would not reveal certain transactions of 
considerably more than ‘ questionable ’ character. I kept 
my part of the contract, but he failed in his. I wrote him, 
therefore, threatening, unless he fulfilled his share of the 
agreement, to institute proceedings against him, which 
would naturally involve a disclosure of his secret. He never 
paid me in full and the secret is still mine,” he paused, 
then added slowly, *‘to keep or to sell, as will pay me 
best.” 

‘‘Was Hugh Mainwaring ever married?” the coroner 
asked, abruptly. 

“ I believe he was not generally considered a married 
man, sir.” 

“ Was there ever any private marriage?” 

Hobson smiled enigmatically. “You already have the 
word of the lady herself, sir ; that should be sufficient. I 
cannot reveal any of Hugh Mainwaring’s secrets, — unless 
I am well paid for it ! ” 

Hobson was dismissed without further questions, and the 
examination being now at an end, the coroner’s jury re- 
tired to the room in the rear of the library. Very few 
left the house, for all felt that little time would be required 
for the finding of a verdict, and comment and opinion 
were freely exchanged. 

“Well,” said Mr. Sutherland, turning towards the sec- 
retary with a smile, “ they did not learn one fact from that 
last witness, for I doubt whether one of the few statements 
he did make had an iota of truth in it. By the way, Mr. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Scott, it’s a very fortunate thing that you’ve got the proofs 
you have. It would be a risky piece of work to depend 
on that man’s word for proof ; he is as slippery as an eel. 
With those proofs, however, there is no doubt but that 
you’ve got a strong case.” 

It will be hard to convince Ralph Mainwaring of that 
fact.” 

‘‘Yes, he looks as though he would hold on to his 
opinions pretty tenaciously. ’ ’ 

“Not so tenaciously as he would grasp any money 
coming within his reach ! ’ ’ 

At a little distance, Mr. Whitney was engaged in con- 
versation with the Englishmen. 

“I never thought he could be in any way connecjted 
with it,” he was saying. “ In the first place, there was no 
motive, there could be none ; then, again, I believe he is 
altogether above suspicion. I know that Mr. Mainwaring 
had the most implicit confidence in him.” 

“ Well,” said Mr. Thornton, “ for my part. I’m heartily 
glad if there is nothing in it. I always liked the young 
fellow.” 

“ That’s just where I don’t agree with you ; I don’t like 
him,” Ralph Mainwaring replied in a surly tone. “He 
may be all right so far as this matter is concerned; I don’t 
say yet that he is or isn’t ; but I do say that to defame a 
man’s character after he’s dead, in the manner he has, is 
simply outrageous, and, you may depend upon it, there’s 
some personal spite back of it. ’ ’ 

“Oh, well, as to Hugh’s character, I don’t think you 
or I are going to fret ourselves about that, ’ ’ laughed Mr. 
Thornton. “He probably sowed his wild oats with the 
rest of us, and there may have been some reason for his 
leaving England as he did. ’ ’ 

“I don’t believe it,” Ralph Mainwaring retorted, an- 

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TANGLED THREADS 


grily ; but before he could say more, the doors opened and 
the coroner’s jury filed into the room. There was instant 
silence, and a moment later the verdict had been announced. 
It was what every one had expected, and yet there was not 
one but experienced a feeling of disappointment and dis- 
satisfaction. 

‘‘We find that the deceased, Hugh Mainwaring, came 
to his death by the discharge of a revolver in the hands 
of some person or persons to us unknown.’* 


*05 


CHAPTER X 


BEHIND THE SCENES 

The crowd dispersed rapidly, passing down the oak- 
lined avenue in twos and threes, engaged in animated 
discussion of the details of the inquest, while each one 
advanced some theory of his own regarding the murder. 
Mr. Sutherland had taken his departure after making an 
appointment with Scott for the following day, and the 
latter now stood in one of the deep bow-windows en- 
grossed with his own thoughts. Suspicion had been par- 
tially diverted from himself, but only partially, as he well 
knew, to return like a tidal wave, deepened and intensified 
by personal animosity, whenever the facts he had thus far 
so carefully concealed should become known. He gave 
little thought to this, however, except as it influenced him 
in planning his course of action for the next few days. 

He was aroused from his revery by the sound of ap- 
proaching steps, and, turning, met Mr. Whitney. 

‘‘Ah, Mr. Scott, I was just looking for you. I thought 
possibly you had slipped back to the city with the crowd. 
I wanted to say, Mr. Scott, that, if it will be agreeable to 
you, I wish you would remain at Fair Oaks for the next 
few days, or weeks, as the case may be. Mr. Ralph 
Mainwaring has retained my services to aid in securing 
his title to the estate, and the will having been destroyed, 
complications are likely to arise, so that it may take some 
time to get matters adjusted. Much of the business will, 
of necessity, have to be transacted here, as all of Mr. 


BEHIND THE SCENES 


Mainwaring’s private papers are here, and if you will stay 
and help us out I will see, of course, that your salary goes 
right on as usual.” 

An excuse for remaining at Fair Oaks was what Scott 
particularly desired, but he replied indifferently, ‘‘If it 
will accommodate you, Mr. Whitney, I can remain for a 
few days. ’ ’ 

“Very well. I cannot say just how long we may need 
you, though I anticipate a long contest. ’ ’ 

* ‘ Against Mrs. LaGrange ?’ ’ 

“Yes; though she has, in my opinion, no legal right 
whatever, yet she will make a hard fight, and with that 
trickster Hobson to help her with his chicanery, it is liable 
to take some time to beat them. ’ ’ 

“You expect to win in the end, however?” 

“Certainly; there is no doubt but that Ralph Main- 
waring will win the case. He will get the property either 
for his son or for himself. We are first going to try to 
have the will upheld in the courts. Failing in that, the 
property will, of course, be divided between the nearest 
heirs, Ralph Mainwaring and a younger bachelor brother ; 
in which event, the whole thing will, in all probability, 
finally revert to his son Hugh. ’ ’ 

“ Mr. Whitney, what is your opinion of Mrs. LaGrange’s 
story of a private marriage ?’ ’ 

The attorney shook his head decidedly. “One of her 
clever lies; but if she ever undertakes to tell that little 
romance in court. I’ll tear it all to shreds. She never was 
married to Hugh Mainwaring; but,” he added, slowly, 
“I may as well tell you that Walter was his son. Mr. 
Mainwaring the same as admitted that to me once ; but I 
am certain that, aside from that fact, that woman had 
some terrible hold on him, though what I never knew. 
By the way, Mr. Scott, do you know anything of the 

107 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


particulars of that transaction to which those letters re- 
ferred and to which Hobson alluded to-day ?’ ’ 

‘‘Yes, sir.” 

Mr. Whitney looked keenly at the young man. “You 
obtained your knowledge originally from other sources 
than Mr. Mainwaring’s correspondence, did you not?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ I thought so. Do you know, Mr. Scott, I would 
denounce the whole thing as a lie, a scheme of that 
adventuress, or that impostor, Hobson, or both, by which 
they hope to gain some hold on the heirs, were it not that, 
from your manner, I have been convinced that you have 
some personal knowledge of the facts in the case, — that 
you know far more than you have yet told.” 

Mr. Whitney paused, watching the young secretary 
closely, but there was no reply, and, with all his pene- 
tration, the attorney could read nothing in the immobile 
face before him. He continued, — 

“Whatever that transaction may have been, I wish to 
know nothing about it. I was much attached to Mr. 
Mainwaring and respected him highly, and I want to 
respect his memory; and I will tell you frankly what I 
most dread in this coming contest. I expect nothing else 
but that either that woman or Hobson will drag the affair 
out from its hiding-place, and will hold it up for the 
public to gloat over, as it always does. I hate to see a 
man’s reputation blackened in that way, especially when 
that man was my friend and his own lips are sealed in 
death.” 

“It is a pity,” said Scott, slowly; “but if one wishes 
to leave behind him an untarnished reputation, he must 
back it up, while living, with an unblemished character. ’ ’ 

“Well," said the attorney, tentatively, after another 
pause, “Mr. Mainwaring’s character, whatever it may 

io8 


BEHIND THE SCENES 


have been before we were associated with him, certainly 
had no effect upon your life or mine, hence I feel that it is 
nothing with which we are directly concerned ; and I be- 
lieve, in fact I know, that it will be for your interest, Mr. 
Scott, if you say nothing regarding whatever knowledge 
you may have of the past. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney, watching the effect of his words, suddenly 
saw an expression totally unlike anything he had ever seen 
on the face of the secretary, and yet strangely familiar. 

Scott turned and faced him, with eyes cold and cynical 
and that seemed to pierce him through and through, 
remarking, in tones of quiet irony, ‘‘I am greatly obliged 
for your advice, Mr. Whitney, regarding my interests, but 
it is not needed. Furthermore, I think all your thought 
and attention will be required to look after the interests of 
Ralph Mainwaring, ’ ' and without waiting for reply, he 
stepped through one of the low, old-fashioned windows 
opening upon the veranda and disappeared, leaving the 
attorney alone. 

‘'By George, but that was cool !” ejaculated the latter. 
“And that look; where have I seen it? I believe that 
Ralph Mainwaring is more than half right after all, and 
there is something back of all this !” 

So absorbed was he in his own reflections as to be wholly 
unaware of the presence of the detective in the hall, near 
the doorway, where he had paused long enough to witness 
the parting between Scott and the attorney, and who now 
passed quietly up-stairs, remarking to himself, “Whitney 
is pretty sharp, but he’s more than got his match there. 
That young fellow is too deep for him or any of the rest 
of ’em, and he’s likely to come out where they least expect 
to find him.” 

Half an hour later, Mr. Merrick, stepping from the 
private library into the upper southern hall, heard the 

109 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


sound of voices, which, from his familiarity with the rooms, 
he knew must proceed from Mrs. LaGrange’s parlor. He 
cautiously descended the stairs to the lowest landing, in 
which was a deep window. The shutters were tightly 
closed, and, concealing himself behind the heavy curtains, 
he awaited developments. He was now directly opposite 
the door of the parlor, and through the partially open 
transom he could hear the imperious tones of Mrs. La- 
Grange and the soft, insinuating accents of Hobson. For 
a while he was unable to distinguish a word, but the varia- 
tions in Hobson’s tones indicated that he was not seated, 
but walking back and forth, while Mrs. LaGrange’s voice 
betrayed intense excitement and gradually grew louder. 

‘‘You are not altogether invulnerable,” Merrick heard 
her say, angrily. “You were an accessory in that affair, 
and you cannot deny it ?’ ’ 

Hobson evidently had paused near the door, as his reply 
was distinctly audible. “You have not an atom of proof, 
as you well know ; and even if you had, our acquaintance, 
my dear madam, has been too long and of too intimate a 
nature for you to care to attempt any of your little tricks 
with me. You play a deep game, my lady, but I hold the 
winning hand yet.” 

“If you are dastardly enough to threaten me, I am not 
such a coward as to fear you. I have played my cards 
better than you know, ’ ’ she answered, defiantly. 

“My dear lady,” Hobson replied, and the door-knob 
turned slightly under his hand, “those little speeches 
sound very well, but we both understand each other per- 
fectly. You want my services in this case ; you must have 
them ; and I am willing to render them ; but it is useless 
for you to dictate terms to me. I will undertake the case in 
accordance with your wishes, but only upon the conditions 
mentioned.” 


no 


BEHIND THE SCENES 


The reply was inaudible, but was evidently satisfactory 
to Hobson, for, as he opened the door, there was a leer of 
triumph on his face. He glanced suspiciously about the 
hall, and, on reaching the door, turned to Mrs. LaGrange, 
who had accompanied him, saying, in his smoothest tones, — 

‘‘ I shall be out again in two or three days. Should you 
wish to see me before that time, you can telephone to my 
office or send me word.” 

She bowed silently and he took his departure, but as she 
returned to her room, she exclaimed, fiercely, Craven! 
Let me but once get my rights secured, and he will find 
whether I stand in fear of him I” 

Having taken leave of Mrs. LaGrange, Hobson carefully 
avoided the front part of the house and grounds, taking 
instead the gravelled walk leading through the grove 
towards the lake in the rear and out upon the side street. 
As he was hurrying along this rather secluded avenue, he 
was suddenly confronted by Scott. Although strangers to 
each other, Hobson instantly conjectured that this must be 
the secretary who had betrayed such familiarity with the 
correspondence which had passed between himself and 
Hugh Mainwaring, and that it might be to his own interest 
to form the acquaintance of the young man. 

Quick as thought he drew from his pocket a card, and, 
pausing suddenly in his rapid walk, said, with a profound 
bow, — 

beg pardon; I cannot be mistaken; have I not the 
pleasure of addressing Mr. Scott?” 

*^That is my name,” replied the secretary, coldly. 

beg you will accept this card; and allow me to 
suggest that you may find it conducive to your interests to 
call upon me at the address named, if you will take the 
trouble to do so.” 

Scott glanced from the card to the speaker, regarding 

III 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


the latter with close scrutiny. You seem very solicitous 
of the interests of a stranger, as it is not to be presumed 
that you have any ulterior motive in making this sug- 
gestion. ’ ’ 

Hobson appeared to ignore the sarcasm. It is barely 
possible,” he continued, in his most ingratiating tones, 
“ that I may be in possession of facts which it would be to 
your advantage to learn. ’ ’ 

In case you are, I suppose, of course, you would 
impart them to me simply out of pure disinterestedness, 
without a thought of pecuniary compensation ?’ * 

Hobson winced and glanced nervously about him. 
must hasten,” he said; ^‘I cannot stop for explanations; 
but you will find me in my office at two o’clock to-morrow, 
if you care to call. Meantime, my young friend, I am not 
perhaps as mercenary as you think, and I may be able to 
be of great assistance to you,” and with a final bow, the 
man hastily disappeared around a turn of the winding 
walk. 

Scott proceeded in the opposite direction in a deep 
study. ‘‘Is it possible,” he soliloquized, “ that that crea- 
ture is on my track and has any proposition to make to 
me? Or, is he afraid that I know his secret, and that I 
may deprive him of his hold upon the Mainwarings? 
More likely it is the latter. A week ago I was looking 
for that man, and would probably have endeavored to 
make terms with him, though it would have involved an 
immense amount of risk, for a cast-iron contract wouldn’t 
hold him, and his testimony would be worth little or 
nothing, one way or the other.” Scott glanced again at 
the address on the card. ‘ ‘ Not a very desirable locality ! 
It probably suits him and his business, though. I believe 
I will give the scoundrel a call and see what I can draw 
out of him. ’ ’ 

tI2 


BEHIND THE SCENES 


Dinner was announced as Scott returned to the house, 
and a number of circumstances combined to render the 
meal far pleasanter and more social than any since the 
death of the master of Fair Oaks. Mr. Merrick was 
nowhere to be found, and the slight restraint imposed by 
his presence was removed. Mrs. LaGrange and her son 
were also absent, preferring to take their meals privately in 
an adjoining room which Hugh Mainwaring had often used 
as a breakfast-room. The silence and frigidity which had 
lately reigned at the table seemed to have given place to 
almost universal sociability, though Ralph Mainwaring’ s 
face still wore a sullen scowl. 

As Mr. Whitney met the secretary, his sensitive face 
flushed at the remembrance of their late interview, and he 
watched the young man with evident curiosity. Scott was 
conscious, however, of an increased friendliness towards 
himself on the part of most of the guests, but feeling that 
it was likely to prove of short duration, he remained non- 
committal and indifferent. As they left the table. Miss 
Carleton rallied him on his appearance. 

** Mr. Scott, you are a mystery !” 

‘‘Why so. Miss Carleton, if you please?” he asked, 
quickly. 

“Just now, when everybody’s spirits are relaxing after 
that horrible inquest, you look more serious and glum than 
I have ever seen you. I threw myself into the breach this 
afternoon to rescue you from the enemy’s grounds, whither 
you had been carried by the sensational statements of Mrs. 
LaGrange and the coachman and chambermaid, and I have 
not even seen you smile once since. Perhaps, ’ ’ she added, 
archly, “you didn’t care to be rescued by a woman, but 
would have preferred to make your own way out. ’ ’ 

“No,” said Scott, smiling very brightly now; “I’ll 
not be so ungrateful as to say that, though I believe I am 

”3 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


generally able to fight my own battles ; but I will confess I 
was somewhat disappointed this afternoon when you gave 
your testimony.” 

How could that be?” she inquired, greatly surprised. 

Up to that time I had flattered myself that I had one 
friend who had faith in me, even though circumstances 
conspired against me. I discovered, then, that it was no 
confidence in me, but only a knowledge of some of the 
facts, that kept her from turning against me like the rest. 

Scott spoke in serio-comic tones, and Miss Carleton 
looked keenly in his face to see if he were jesting. 

‘‘No; you are mistaken, Mr. Scott,” she said, slowly, 
after a pause. “ My confidence in you would have been 
just as strong if I had known nothing of the facts. ’ * 

‘ ‘ Thank you ; I am very glad to hear that, ’ ’ he an- 
swered. Then added, gently, “ Would it be strong 
enough to stand a far heavier strain than that, if it were 
necessary ?’ ’ 

His tones were serious now, and she regarded him in- 
quiringly for a moment before speaking; then seeing 
young Mainwaring approaching with his sister and Miss 
Thornton, she replied, in low tones, — 

“I have no idea to what you refer, Mr. Scott, and I 
begin to think you are indeed a ‘mystery;’ but you can 
be assured of this much : I would never, under any circum- 
cumstances, believe you capable of anything false or dis- 
honorable. ’ ’ 

Scott’s eyes expressed his gratification at these words, 
and he would then have withdrawn, but neither Miss Carle- 
ton nor young Mainwaring gave him an opportunity to do 
so without seeming discourteous. Both drew him into con- 
versation and found him exceedingly entertaining, though 
reserved concerning himself. Isabel Mainwaring still held 
herself aloof and took little part in the conversation, but 

114 


BEHIND THE SCENES 


to make amends for this Miss Thornton bestowed some of 
her most winning smiles upon the handsome young secre- 
tary, her large, infantile blue eyes regarding him with 
wondering curiosity. 

After a pleasant evening, Scott excused himself and 
retired to his room ; but an hour or two later there was a 
knock at his door, and on opening it he saw young 
Mainwaring in smoking-cap and -jacket. 

‘‘I say, Scott, won’t you come out and have a smoke? 
I’ve got some fine cigars, and it’s too pretty a night to 
stay in one’s room ; come out on my balcony and we’ll 
have a bit of a talk and smoke. ’ ’ 

Scott readily consented, and the two young men pro- 
ceeded to the balcony upon which Mainwaring’ s room 
opened, where the latter had already placed two reclining 
chairs and a small table containing a box of his favorite 
Havanas. 

For a few moments they puffed in silence, looking out 
into the starlit night with its beauty of dim outline and 
mysterious shadow. Mainwaring was the first to speak. 

‘‘I say, Scott, I’m awfully ashamed of the way that 
some of us, my family in particular, have treated you 
within the last day or two. It was confoundedly shabby, 
and I beg your pardon for my share in it, anyhow. ’ ’ 

‘'Don’t waste any regrets over that matter,” Scott an- 
swered, indifferently; “I never gave it any thought, and 
it is not worth mentioning.” 

“I do regret it, though, more than I can tell, and I 
haven’t any excuse for myself; only things did look so 
deucedly queer there for a while, don’t you know?” 

“Well,” said Scott, pleasantly, “we are not out of the 
woods yet, and there is no telling what developments may 
arise. Things might ‘look queer’ again, you know.” 

“ That’s all right. I know a gentleman when I see him. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


unless I happen to lose my head, and that doesn’t occur 
very often. Now it’s different with the governor. He’s 
got so confoundedly wrought up over that will, don’t you 
know, that he can’t think of anything else, and there’s no 
reason in him.” 

‘‘As I understand it,” remarked Scott, “Mr. Main- 
waring expects to win the property in any case, either for 
you or for himself.” 

“Yes; and naturally you might think that the loss of 
the will wouldn’ t amount to much, one way or the other ; 
but it’s like this : the governor and I are very different ; 
I know we’ve got plenty of ducats, and that’s enough for 
me, but not for him; he is ambitious. It has always 
galled him that we were not in the direct line of descent 
from the main branch of the Mainwarings ; and it has been 
his one great ambition since the death of old Ralph Main- 
waring, Hugh’s father, a few years before I was born, to 
win into his own family the old Mainwaring estate. He 
had an idea that Hugh would never marry, and gave me 
his name, hoping that I would be made his heir. Should 
the governor succeed in this scheme of his, he will imme- 
diately buy back the Mainwaring estate, although he knows 
I don’t care a rap for the whole thing, and we will then 
have the honor, as he considers it, of perpetuating the 
old family line. On the other hand, if the property goes 
to the nearest heirs, it will be divided between him and 
his younger brother. Uncle Harold has no more ambition 
than I have, and though he is at present a bachelor, that is 
no guarantee that he will remain one; and, anyhow, it 
isn’t likely that there will be much of his share left when 
he gets through with it. So you see how much importance 
the governor attached to that will. ’ ’ 

“I understand,” said Scott, as his companion paused. 
Then he added, musingly, “Your uncle’s name seems to 

ii6 


BEHIND THE SCENES 


be rather unusual among the Mainwarings ; I do not recall 
your having mentioned it before. ’ ’ 

‘‘What, Harold? On the contrary, it is the great 
name in our family, especially in the main line. I would 
have been given that name if the governor had not been 
looking out for Hugh Main waring’ s money. There was a 
direct line of Harolds down to my great-grandfather. He 
gave the name to his eldest son, but he died, and the next 
one, Ralph, Hugh’s father, took up the line. Guy, my 
grandfather, was the youngest.” 

“ One would almost have thought that Hugh Mainwaring 
would have borne the name of Harold, ’ ’ commented Scott. 

Young Mainwaring smoked for a moment in silence, 
then said, in lower tones, “Old Uncle Ralph had a son 
by that name. ’ ’ 

“Indeed! Had Hugh Mainwaring a brother?” Scott 
asked in surprise. 

“Yes, there was a brother, but he died a great many 
years ago. There is quite a story connected with his name, 
but I don’t know many of the particulars, for the governor 
seldom alludes to it. I know, however, that Harold was 
the elder son, but that Uncle Ralph disinherited him for 
marrying against his wishes, and afterwards died of grief 
over the affair, and soon after his father’s death Harold was 
lost at sea. ’ ’ 

“You say he married ; did he leave any children ?” 

“ No, I believe he had no children ; but even if he had, 
they would have been disinherited also. Uncle Ralph was 
severe; he would not even allow Harold’s name to be 
mentioned; and Hugh also must have turned against his 
brother, for I have heard that he never spoke of him or 
allowed any allusion to be made to him.” 

“Well,” said Scott, after a pause, “I believe Hugh 
Mainwaring’ s life was far from happy.” 

1 17 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


You are right there. I’ll never forget the last words he 
ever spoke to me as I took leave of him that night. They 
were to the effect that he hoped when I should have reached 
his age, I would be able to look back over a happier past 
than his had been. It is my opinion, too, that that woman 
was the cause of his unhappiness, and I believe she is at 
the bottom of all this trouble. ’ ’ 

Their conversation had drifted to the mystery then sur- 
rounding them, and for more than an hour they dwelt on 
that subject, advancing many surmises, some strangely im- 
probable, but none of which seemed to bring them any 
nearer a solution of the problem. 

“My first visit to this country has proved an eventful 
one,” said young Mainwaring, as, at a late hour, they 
finally separated for the night, “and I cibn’t know yet how 
it may terminate; but there’s one thing I shall look back 
upon with pleasure, and that is my meeting with you ; and 
I hope that from this time on we will be friends ; and that 
this friendship, begun to-night, will be renewed in old 
England many a time. ’ ’ 

“Are you not rather rash,” Scott inquired, slowly, 
“considering how little we know of each other, the cir- 
cumstances under which we have met, and the uncertainty 
of what the future may reveal ?’ ’ 

“ No ; I’m peculiar. When I like a fellow, I like him ; 
and I’ve been studying you pretty closely. I don’t think 
we need either of us be troubled about the future ; but I’m 
your friend, Scott, and, whatever happens. I’ll stand by 
you. ’ ’ 

“ So be it, then, Hugh,” replied the secretary, clasping 
the hand of the young Englishman and, for the first time, 
calling him by name. “ I thank you, and I hope you will 
never go back on that. ’ ’ 


ii8 


CHAPTER XI 


SKIRMISHING 

On the following morning the gentlemen at Fair Oaks 
were astir at an unusually early hour, and immediately after 
breakfast held a brief conference. It was decided to offer 
a heavy reward for the apprehension of the murderer of 
Hugh Mainwaring, while a lesser reward was to be offered 
for information leading to identification and arrest of the 
guilty party. Preparations were also to be made for the 
funeral, which would take place the next day, and which, 
in accordance with the wishes of Ralph Mainwaring, was 
to be strictly private. 

Their conference at an end, Ralph Mainwaring ordered 
the carriage to take himself, Mr. Whitney, and the secretary 
to the depot. 

I believe I will ride down with you,” said Mr. Merrick. 

Certainly; plenty of room. Going to the city?” 

‘‘Yes; but not with you gentlemen. We will part 
company at the depot and I will take another car. ’ ’ 

“ How are you getting on, Mr. Merrick?” inquired Mr. 
Thorton. 

“As well as can be expected, all things considered,” 
was the non-committal reply. 

“Going to be a slow case, I'm afraid,” commented 
Ralph Mainwaring, shaking his head in a doubtful way, 
while Mr. Thornton added jokingly, — 

“We’ve got some mighty fine fellows over home there 
at the Yard; if you should want any help, Mr. Merrick, 
ITl cable for one of them.” 

119 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘‘ Thank you, sir,” said the detective, with quiet dignity; 
** I don’t anticipate that I shall want any assistance ; and if 
I should, I will hardly need import it from Scotland Yard.” 

‘^Ha, ha! That all depends, you know, on what your 
man is. If the rascal happens to have any English blood 
in him, it will take a Scotland Yard chap to run him 
down. ’ ’ 

‘‘On the principle, I suppose, of ‘set a rogue to catch 
a rogue,’ ” Merrick replied, smiling. 

He had scarcely finished speaking when Hardy suddenly 
entered the room. 

“Beg pardon, sir,” he said, addressing Ralph Main- 
waring; “but the coachman is gone! We’ve looked 
everywhere for him, but he’s nowhere about the place.” 

“When did he go?” asked Mr. Whitney, quickly. 

“Nobody knows, sir. Joe, the stable-boy, says he 
hasn’ t been around at all this morning. ’ ’ 

“ Bring the boy here,” said Mr. Mainwaring. 

There was instantly recalled to every one present the 
memory of Brown’s insolent manner at the inquest, to- 
gether with his confused and false statements. In a few 
moments Hardy returned with the stable-boy, an unkempt, 
ignorant lad of about fourteen, but with a face old and 
shrewd beyond his years. 

“Are you one of the servants here?” Mr. Mainwaring 
inquired. 

“ I works here, ef that’s wot yer mean ; but I don’t call 
myself nobody’s servant.” 

“ How did it happen that you were not at the inquest?” 
he demanded. 

“ Didn’t got no invite,” was the reply, accompanied by 
a grin, while Hardy explained that the boy did not belong 
to the place, but had been hired by the coachman to come 
nights and mornings and attend to the stable work. 

120 


SKIRMISHING 


What do you know about this Brown?” inquired Mr. 
Mainwaring, addressing the boy. 

Wal, I guess he’s ben a-goin’ it at a putty lively gait 
lately.” 

You mean he was fast?” 

** I guess that’s about the size of it.” 

‘‘When did you see him last?” 

“Hain’t seen nothin’ of him sence las’ night, an’ then 
he was sorter crusty an’ didn’t say much. I come down 
this mornin’ an’ went to work, — he alius left the stable 
key where I could get it, — ^but I hain’t seen nor heard 
nothin’ o’ him. Me’n him,” with an emphatic nod 
towards Hardy, “went up to his room, but he warn’t 
there, nor hadn’t ben there all night.” 

“Why do you think he was fast?” 

“Wal, from all I’ve hearn about him I guess he’s ben 
goin’ with a kinder hard set lately. I’ve seen some putty 
tough -lookin’ subs hangin’ ’round the stables. There was 
a lot of ’em waitin’ for him Wednesday night.” 

“Wednesday night!” ejaculated Mr. Whitney. “At 
what time ? and who were they ?’ ’ 

“I dunno who they was, but they was hangin’ ’round 
about eight o’clock waitin’ for him to go with ’em. An’ 
then he’s had lots of money lately.” 

“ How do you know this ?’ ’ 

“I’ve hearn him a-jinglin’ it in his room; an’ night 
afore las’ I dim’ up-stairs and peeked in, an’ he had a 
whole pile of gold pieces ’bout that high,” measuring 
with his hands; “but he see me, an’ he said he’d gimme 
a whalin’ ef he catched me at it agin.” 

‘ ‘ Did you watch him last night ?’ ’ asked Mr. Main- 
waring. 

“ Yas; he acted so kinder queer that I waited ’round to 
see what he was goin’ to do. After ’twas still an’ he 

.121 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


thought I’d gone, he come down an’ started off towards 
the side street. Jes’ fer fun I follered him ; an’ when he 
got to the lake he stopped and looked all ’round, as ef to 
make sure there warn’t nobody to see him, an’ then he 
takes somethin’, I couldn’t see what, out from under his 
coat an’ chucks it quick into the lake, an’ then he started 
on a run down towards the street. ’ ’ 

Couldn’t you see what he threw?” 

No, I couldn’t see what ’twas; but it struck the water 
awful heavy.” 

Is that all you know about the affair?” 

Yas, that’s all.” 

‘‘Wait a moment,” said Mr. Merrick, as the boy turned 
to leave the room. “Can you tell how many, or what 
kind of looking men were with Brown on Wednesday 
night?” 

“There was three of ’em. One was a big feller with 
kinder squint eyes, the other two was ornery lookin’ fellers ; 
one of ’em was dark like a furriner, an’ t’other one had 
sorter yeller hair. ’ ’ 

“ How long were they there?” 

“About half’n hour, I guess. They was all gone ’fore 
nine o’clock.” 

“ Did you hear anything that was said?” 

“ I hearn ’em talkin’ somethin’ about the boss.” 

“Mr. Mainwaring?” 

“Yas. He’d made a kick about somethin’ or ’nuther 
that afternoon, an’ Brown he was cussin’ mad, an’ then 
when they went away I hearn one of ’em say somethin’ 
about ‘ makin’ a good job of it. ’ ” 

“How was this. Hardy?” inquired Mr. Whitney. 
“ Had there been any words Wednesday between Mr. 
Mainwaring and the coachman ?’ ’ 

“ Yes, sir ; I had forgotten it ; but now I remember that 
122 


SKIRMISHING 


when he came back that afternoon, he found some fault 
with the coachman, and Brown was very insolent, and 
then Mr. Mainwaring threatened to discharge him.” 

** Ton my soul ! I should say here was something worth 
looking into,” said Mr. Thornton, as the boy left the 
room, accompanied by Hardy. 

“A great pity that we could not have had his testimony 
at the inquest,” commented the attorney. ‘‘We might 
then have cornered Brown ; but I was not aware that there 
was such a person employed on the place. ’ ’ 

Meanwhile, a carriage ordered by telephone from the 
Arlington had already arrived at Fair Oaks. 

“Well,” said Ralph Mainwaring, “the carriage is 
waiting. We had better proceed to the depot; we can 
talk of this latest development on our way. ’ * 

“You will excuse me, gentlemen,” said Mr. Merrick, 
quietly, “ I have changed my mind, and will postpone my 
trip to the city. ’ ’ 

“Struck a new trail, eh?” queried Ralph Mainwaring, 
with a peculiar expression, as he paused to light a cigar. 

“On the contrary, sir, only following up an old one,” 
and, with a somewhat ambiguous smile, the detective with- 
drew. 

The coachman’s sudden disappearance, together with the 
facts learned from the stable-boy, formed the subject of 
discussion for the next half-hour between Ralph Main- 
waring and the attorney, Scott listening with a thoughtful 
face, although taking little part in the conversation. Upon 
their arrival at the offices of Mainwaring & Co. they were 
given a cordial greeting by Mr. Elliott and Mr. Chittenden, 
after which they passed on to the elegant private offices of 
Hugh Mainwaring. Mr. Whitney was visibly affected as 
he entered the familiar rooms, and to each one was forcibly 
recalled the memory of their meeting a few days before. 

123 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


A brief silence followed, and then in subdued tones they 
began to discuss the business which had now brought them 
there. 

At about two o’clock that afternoon, Scott found himself 
entering an ancient and dilapidated looking block in a 
rather disreputable part of the city. He had fulfilled his 
appointment with Mr. Sutherland, and after an hour’s 
conversation both gentlemen appeared very sanguine re- 
garding the case under consideration. As Scott was taking 
leave, he produced Hobson’s card and related the particu- 
lars of their incidental meeting at Fair Oaks, and Hobson’s 
urgent invitation to call upon him at his office. 

Mr. Sutherland laughed. ‘‘About what I expected,” 
he said. “It was evident from his remarks at the inquest 
that some one — probably Mrs. LaGrange — ^had posted him 
concerning you, and he is afraid you are onto his secret. * ’ 

“I had questioned if it were that, or whether possibly 
he might be onto mine.’’ 

“Not at all probable,’’ said the attorney, after a mo- 
ment’s reflection. “ If he really understood your position, 
he would be far too cunning to allow you to get sight of 
him. You have the scoundrel completely in your power.’’ 

“Yes, as much as he is in anybody’s power; but it is 
doubtful if any one can hold so slippery a rascal as he. 
I believe I will give him a call, however. ’ ’ 

“It would do no harm, taking care, of course, that you 
give him no information. ’ ’ 

“Oh, certainly,’’ said Scott, with a smile, as he paused 
for an instant in the doorway ; “my object will be to get, 
not give, information. ’ ’ 

“ His object will probably be the same,’ ’ was Mr. Suther- 
land’s parting shot, as he turned with a laugh to his desk. 

Scott, having ascended a narrow, crooked stairway, 
found himself in a long, dark hall, poorly ventilated, and 
124 



HOBSON SILENTLY BECKONED SCOTT 
TO ENTER 


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SKIRMISHING 


whose filthy condition was only too apparent even in the 
dim light. Far in the rear he saw a door bearing the 
words, ‘ ‘ R. Hobson, Attorney. ” As he pushed open the 
door, a boy of about seventeen, who, with a cigarette in 
his mouth and his feet on a table, sat reading a novel, 
instantly assumed the perpendicular and, wheeling about, 
faced Scott with one of the most villainous countenances 
the latter had ever seen. Something in Scott’s appearance 
seemed to surprise him, for he stared impudently without 
speaking. After silently studying the face before him for 
an instant, Scott inquired for Mr. Hobson. 

‘‘He is in, sir, but he is engaged at present with a 
client,” said the boy, in tones which closely resembled 
Hobson’s. “ I will take in your card, sir.” 

The boy disappeared with the card into an adjoining 
room, returning a moment later with the most obsequious 
manners and the announcement that Mr. Hobson would be 
at liberty in a few moments. Scott rightly judged that 
this ceremony was merely enacted for effect, and contented 
himself with looking about the small, poorly furnished 
room, while the office boy opposite regarded him with an 
undisguised curiosity, which betrayed that this client — if 
such he could be regarded — differed greatly from the usual 
class. Young and untaught though he were, he had learned 
to read the faces about him, and that of his employer was 
to him as an open book, and the expression which flashed 
into Hobson’s eyes as they fell upon Scott’s card indicated 
plainly to the office boy that in this instance the usual 
conditions were reversed, and the attorney stood in fear of 
his visitor. 

A few moments later the door of the next room opened 
noiselessly and Hobson, attired in a red dressing-gown and 
wearing his most ingratiating smile, silently beckoned Scott 
to enter. With a quick glance the latter took in every 

125 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


detail of the second apartment. It was somewhat larger 
than the first, but the furnishing was meagre and shabby in 
the extreme, and, with the exception of a small set of 
shelves containing a few dilapidated volumes, there were 
no visible signs of an attorney’s office. 

Hobson did not speak until he had carefully closed the 
door, then he said, in low tones, — 

‘‘As our conversation is likely to be of a confidential 
nature, you would perhaps desire greater privacy than can 
be secured here. Step this way. ’ ’ 

He openec the door into a room so dark and so thick 
with stale tobacco smoke that at first Scott could discern 
nothing clearly. 

“My den!” said Hobson, with a magnificent flourish, 
and Scott stepped within, feeling, he afterwards said, as 
though he were being ushered by Mephistopheles into the 
infernal regions, and this impression was not lessened by 
the first objects which he was able to distinguish, — a pair 
of skulls grinning at him through the smoky atmosphere. 

As his eyes became accustomed to the dim light he 
noted that the room was extremely small, with only one 
window, which opened upon the blank wall of an adjoining 
building, and with no furniture, save an enormous, high-top 
desk and two chairs. One of the latter Hobson placed 
near the window for his visitor, and then busied himself 
for a moment at the desk in hastily concealing what to 
Scott looked like some paraphernalia of the black arts. 
Upon the top of the desk were the two skulls which had 
first attracted Scott’s attention, and which he now regarded 
rather curiously. Hobson, following his glance, said, by 
way of explanation, — 

“Rather peculiar ornaments, I dare say, you consider 
those, Mr. Scott ; but I am greatly interested in phrenology 
and devote much of my leisure time to its study. It is not 

126 


SKIRMISHING 


only amusing, you know, but it is of great assistance in 
reading and understanding my fellow-men, and enables me 
to adapt myself to my clients, so to speak. ’ ’ 

Having satisfactorily arranged his belongings, Hobson 
locked the door, and, seating himself behind his desk, 
appeared ready for business. 

‘‘Well, my young friend,” he began, “I rather ex- 
pected you, for I flatter myself that I understand enough 
of human nature to know that there are very few who will 
pass by an opportunity of learning something for the 
advancement of their own interests or the betterment of 
their own condition in life.” 

“That may be perfectly natural,” Scott replied; “but 
you flatter yourself altogether too much if you think that I 
have come here with any expectation that you can advance 
my interests or better my condition.” 

“That remains to be seen. Much also depends upon 
yourself, for I take it that a young man of your calibre is 
not without ambition. ’ ’ 

Hobson paused, regarding his visitor with sharp scrutiny, 
but receiving no reply, continued, “ I might add, that to a 
young man with ambitious designs such as yours, I would 
probably be able to render great assistance. ’ ’ 

“ I am not aware of any unusual ambition on my part.” 

“ Oh, no, nothing unusual. You simply had no intention 
of remaining Hugh Mainwaring’s secretary any longer than 
was necessary. That was perfectly natural, perfectly laud- 
able, my young friend, and I admire the shrewdness and 
foresight with which you set about to accomplish your 
designs. At the same time, I believe I am in a position to 
give you just the information and advice you need in order 
to insure your success. ’ ’ 

Both men had the same object in view. Each wished to 
ascertain what the other knew concerning himself. Scott, 

127 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


unable to determine whether Hobson had spoken at random 
or with an inkling of the facts, answered, coldly, — 

I do not know to what you refer, or on what grounds 
you base the inference which you seem to have drawn. ’ ’ 

^ ‘ No ? Then you will allow me to remark, Mr. Scott, 
that such familiarity as yours with a portion of Hugh 
Mainwaring’s private correspondence, extending back over 
a period of fifteen or more years, taking into consideration 
the facts that you cannot be much more than twenty-five 
years of age, and have only been about two years in Mr. 
Mainwaring’s employ, would indicate that you had sought 
to acquaint yourself with some facts connected with your 
employer’s early life with the express purpose of using the 
same to your own advantage.” 

You must see the inconsistency of such a supposition, 
when you consider that I have been in possession of these 
facts for some time — it is unnecessary to state how long — 
and have made no use of them whatever.” 

‘^Possibly,” said Hobson, with emphasis, ^‘your knowl- 
edge of the facts may not have been definite enough to 
warrant your use of them.” 

His voice and manner unconsciously betrayed the im- 
portance which he attached to Scott’s reply. The latter 
detected this, and answered evasively, — 

‘^It is sufficiently definite for my own personal satisfac- 
tion in any event. ’ ’ 

Hobson shook his head. ‘‘It is useless to evade the 
point. You had an object in looking up that correspond- 
ence ; you intended to make a good thing out of the facts 
you got hold of; and, if your information is sufficiently 
complete, you can make a good thing out of them 
yet.” 

“If I have not attempted anything of that kind in the 
past, would I be likely to try it at this late day?” Scott 

128 


SKIRMISHING 


asked, with the air of one who is open to any available 
suggestion. 

Hobson at once assumed a confidential manner, and, 
moving a little nearer his visitor, replied, in a low tone, — 
Look here, Mr. Scott, that’s just why I wanted to meet 
you. You see I know more about you than you think. 
I’ve taken an unusual interest in you, too; and, seeing the 
little game you were playing, and knowing that I held the 
trump card myself, I naturally would like to take a hand 
and help you out at the same time. Now, the point is 
just this, Mr. Scott : What do you really know concerning 
the transaction referred to in that correspondence? I 
suppose you are familiar with all the letters that passed on 
both sides?” 

** Perfectly so,” 

‘‘Certainly. But you will acknowledge, Mr. Scott, that 
those letters were expressed in very guarded terms, and, 
with the exception of possibly one or two, gave no hint of 
the nature of that transaction. Remember,” he added, 
impressively, “ I have an exact copy of the correspondence 
on both sides, and no one could ever assume any statement 
or admissions that were not there.” 

“I presumed that, of course,” said Scott, calmly. 

‘ ‘ Now, my young friend, let us get down to the actual 
knowledge which you have of the facts. You are, I 
suppose, aware that there was a missing will involved in 
the case ?’ ’ 

“lam; and that one or two of your letters purported 
to show that the missing will was destroyed by Hugh 
Mainwaring.” 

“ Did I make any such allegation?” 

“Not directly; but your allusions and references would 
be clear to any one having a knowledge of the English 
statutes. ’ ’ 


9 


129 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Hobson started, and inquired quickly, *‘Are you 
familiar with English law ?’ ’ 

made myself familiar with your citations and refer- 
ences in this case.” 

‘‘I see; you have indeed made a study of the case. 
Well, Mr. Scott, permit me to say that I accused Hugh 
Mainwaring of nothing which he had not previously con- 
fessed to me himself. Have you any knowledge concerning 
that will, — its terms or conditions, or the names of the 
testator or beneficiaries ?’ ’ 

* ‘ There was nothing in the correspondence to give any 
clue to those particulars. I could only gather that Hugh 
Mainwaring had defrauded others and enriched himself by 
destroying this will.” 

Hobson looked relieved. ‘^Without doubt, he did; 
but allow me to call your attention to one point, Mr. 
Scott. You see how little actual knowledge you have of 
this affair. There are others — Mrs. LaGrange, for instance, 
and the mysterious individual whom she heard conversing 
with Mr. Mainwaring on the night of the murder, — all of 
whom know as much or more than you; and while this 
meagre knowledge of the case might perhaps have been 
sufficient to bring to bear upon Mainwaring himself, per- 
sonally, it would have little or no weight with those with 
whom we would now have to deal. You know nothing of 
the terms of the will, or of the persons named as benefici- 
aries, whom, consequently, Hugh Mainwaring defrauded. 
You have no proof that he destroyed the will. In fact, 
my dear young friend, you could produce no proof that 
such a document ever existed at all ! ” 

Do I understand you, then, that those letters, Mr. 
Mainwaring’ s included, would not be regarded as proof?” 
Scott asked, with well-feigned surprise. 

*^Not of themselves with these people; I know them 
130 


SKIRMISHING 


too well.” Hobson shook his head decidedly, then con- 
tinued, in oracular tones, Remember, I am only speaking 
of your chances with them. Mainwaring’s letters were 
very guarded, mine scarcely less so. They would have 
no weight whatever with men like Ralph Mainwaring or 
William Thornton. They might even charge you with 
forging the whole thing. The point is just this, Mr. 
Scott : in order to be able to get anything from these 
parties you must have complete data, absolute proof of 
every statement you are to make; and such data and 
proofs are in the possession of no one but myself. So you 
see I am the only one who can assist you in this matter. ’ * 

‘‘And what compensation would you demand for ‘assist- 
ing’ me?” 

“We will not put it that way, Mr. Scott,” Hobson 
replied, his small, malignant eyes gleaming with delight at 
the ease with which his prey was falling into his clutches. 
“It is like this: Ralph Mainwaring and Thornton are 
prejudiced against me ; I might not be able to work them 
as successfully as I could wish, but you and I could work 
together very smoothly. I could remain invisible, as it 
were, and give you the benefit of the information I possess 
and of my experience and advice, and you could then suc- 
cessfuly manipulate the wires which would bring in the ducats 
for both of us. What do you say, my young friend ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Do you think that either Ralph Mainwaring or Mr. 
Thornton would care enough for any secrets you might be 
able to disclose to pay you hush money ?’ ’ 

“I object to the term of ‘hush money.’ I am merely 
trying to get what was due me from Hugh Mainwaring. 
As he never paid me in full, his heirs must. Yes, I could 
work them after they return to England and set up in style 
on the old Mainwaring estate. They would be rather 
sensitive about the family reputation then.” 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Where are the beneficiaries of that will that was 
destroyed ?’ ’ Scott suddenly inquired. 

Hobson looked sharply at him. ‘^Dead, long ago. 
Why do you ask ?’ * 

“I was thinking that if they or their heirs were living, 
it would be better to go to them with this information. 
They would probably pay a good price for it. ’ ’ 

‘‘You’re right, they would,” Hobson replied, ap- 
provingly ; “but they are all dead. ’ ’ 

“ Were there no heirs left ?” 

“None whatever, more’s the pity ! However, I’ve got 
a good hold on these English chaps and will make them 
hand over the sovereigns yet. ’ ’ 

The contempt which Scott had hitherto concealed as 
Hobson unfolded his plans was now plainly visible on his 
face as he rose from his chair. 

“ Don’t hasten, my young friend,” said Hobson, eagerly. 
“ Sit down, sit down ; we have not laid our plans yet.” 

“No, nor will we,” was the reply. “If you think to 
make a cat’s-paw of me in any of your dirty, contemptible 
pieces of work, you are mistaken. If you think that I 
came here with any intention of listening for one moment 
to any of your vile propositions, you are mistaken. I 
came here simply to satisfy myself on one point. My 
errand is accomplished, and I will remain no longer. ’ ’ 
Hobson had sprung to his feet and now faced Scott, 
barring the way to the door, while fear, anger, defiance, 
and hate passed in rapid succession across his evil counte- 
nance, making his appearance more demon-like than ever. 

“You lie!” he exclaimed, in a hoarse whisper. “I 
have not given you one word of information 1” 

“No,” Scott interrupted, “you have given me no 
information, and you could give me none, for the reason 
that I know more concerning this whole affair than you do. 

132 


SKIRMISHING 


I also have knowledge of certain other matters regarding 
one Richard Hobson, alias Dick Carroll, and his London 
adventures. ’ ’ 

Hobson’s face had become a livid hue, and Scott de- 
tected a sudden movement of his right hand towards his 
desk. 

None of that !” he cried, wamingly, at the same time 
springing quickly upon him with two well-aimed blows, 
one of which knocked a revolver from Hobson’s hand, 
while the other deposited him in a heap upon the floor. 
While the latter was recovering from the effect of the 
stunning blow he had received, Scott picked up the re- 
volver and, having examined it, slipped it into his pocket, 
saying, — 

‘ ^ I will keep this for a while as a souvenir of our inter- 
view. It may be needed as evidence later. ’ ’ 

Hobson crawled to his feet and stood cowering abjectly 
before Scott, rage written on every lineament of his face, 
but not daring to give it expression. 

Who in the devil are you, anyway?” he growled. 

‘‘ That is nene of your business whatever,” Scott replied, 
seizing him by the collar and dragging him to the door. 
‘<The only thing for you to do is to unlock that door as 
expeditiously as possible, asking no questions and making 
no comments.” 

With trembling fingers the wretch complied, and Scott, 
still retaining his hold upon his collar, reached the door 
of the outer room, where, with a final shake, he released 
him. 

‘‘Wait a moment,” Hobson whispered, eagerly, half- 
paralyzed with fear, while his eyes gleamed with malign 
hatred. “You’ve got no hold on me by anything I’ve 
said, and you’ve no proof of that Carroll business, either.” 

Scott looked at him an instant with silent contempt. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

‘‘You cowardly scoundrel! all I have to say to you at 
present is, be careful how you interfere with me ! I’m 
only sorry I soiled my hands with you, but I’ll do it again 
if necessary ; and the next time you will fare worse ! ’ ’ and, 
opening the door, he passed quickly through the outer 
room, conscious of the amazed stare of the office boy, who 
had overheard his last words. Hobson did not attempt to 
follow him, but paced up and down his room, trembling 
with fear and rage combined, and vainly striving to imagine 
who his visitor might be. At last he sat down to his desk 
and began to write rapidly, muttering to himself, — 

“I half believe — only that he’s too young — that he is 
some hound over here trying to scent out the whole thing. 
But,” he added, with an oath, “whoever he is, if he 
crosses my track he’ll be likely to follow Hugh Mainwaring 
before long, that’s all!” 


CHAPTER XII 


X-RAYS 

On the morning following Scott’s interview with Hob- 
son, he awoke at an early hour, vaguely conscious of some 
disturbing influence, though unable to tell what had 
awakened him. He lay for a moment recalling the events 
of the preceding day, then suddenly remembered that this 
was the day fixed for the funeral of Hugh Mainwaring. 
None of the servants were astir about the house, but Scott 
soon became conscious of the sound of stealthy movements 
and subdued voices coming through the open window, and, 
rising, he looked out. At first he could see nothing un- 
usual. It was just sunrise, and the river, at a little distance 
shimmering in the golden light, held him entranced by its 
beauty. Then a slight rustling in the shrubbery near the 
lake attracted his attention. The golden shafts of sunlight 
had not yet reached that small body of water, and it lay 
smooth and unbroken as the surface of a mirror, so clear 
at that hour that one could easily look into its depths. 
Suddenly a light boat shot out from the side nearest the 
grove, breaking the smooth surface into a thousand rippling 
waves of light. In the boat were two men, one of whom 
Scott instantly recognized as the detective ; the other, who 
was rowing and had his back towards the house, seemed to 
be a stranger. Some one concealed in the shrubbery 
called to the boatmen, whereupon they rowed across in 
that direction, stopping a few yards from shore. Here 
they rested a few moments till the surface was again 
smooth, when, both men having carefully peered into the 
, *35 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


depths of the little lake, the detective proceeded to let 
down a drag into the water. 

By George!” Scott ejaculated, ‘‘the sly old fox is 
improving the opportunity, while every one is asleep, to 
drag the lake in search of whatever the coachman threw in 
there. All right, my dear sir, go ahead 1 But I’m some- 
what interested in this affair myself, and I don’t intend 
that you shall monopolize all the facts in the case. ’ ’ 

Keeping an eye on the boat, he dressed quickly and, 
letting himself out at the front entrance, he hastened down 
the walk through the grove to the edge of the lake, keeping 
himself concealed among the trees. The boat was moving 
slowly back and forth, and was now in such a position that 
Scott could see the face of the man rowing, who proved to 
be, as he had thought, a stranger. On the other side, 
seated under the flowering shrubs and trees bordering the 
lake, was Joe, the stable-boy, watching proceedings with 
intense interest. With a smile, the young secretary fol- 
lowed his example, seating himself at the foot of an 
ancient elm whose branches drooped nearly to the ground. 

“All right, Mr. Detective!” he said, “I can stay as 
long as you. If you fail to make a success of your work 
this morning no one will be the wiser, but in case you find 
anything I propose to know something about it myself.” 

The sun was now shining brightly, but the hour was yet 
so early that there was little danger of any one else appear- 
ing on the scene, especially as it was Sunday morning. 

For nearly an hour Mr. Merrick and his companion 
rowed slowly back and forth in constantly widening circles, 
meeting with no success and saying little. Suddenly, 
while Scott was watching the face of the stranger, wonder- 
ing who he might be, he heard a low exclamation and saw 
that the drag had fastened itself upon some object at the 
bottom of the lake. He watched eagerly as they drew it 
*136 


X-RAYS 


to the surface, and could scarcely restrain a cry of astonish- 
ment as he saw what it was, but before either of the men 
could secure it, it had slipped and fallen again into the 
water. With language more forcible than elegant, the 
drag was again lowered, and the boat once more began its 
slow trailing. 

This time they had not so long to wait for success. 
The drag was brought to the surface, but carrying in its 
clutches an entirely different object, and one with which 
the young secretary was totally unfamiliar, — a somewhat 
rusty revolver. 

Mr. Merrick’s back was now towards Scott, but the 
latter saw him take something from his pocket which he 
seemed to compare with the revolver, at the same time 
remarking to the stranger, who was watching with an 
appearance of great interest, — 

pretty good find, Jim, pretty good! However, 
we’ll have another try for that box, whatever it is. It 
may amount to something or it may not, but it will do no 
harm to make a trial.” 

Having let down the drag once more, he glanced at the 
house, then at his watch, saying, ‘‘No signs of any one 
astir ; we’ re all right for another hour yet. ’ ’ 

After a few more turns, Scott saw them suddenly pulling 
in the ropes, and once more the box appeared, rusty and 
covered with slime, but still familiar. He at once sprang 
to his feet and sauntered carelessly down the walk, hum- 
ming a tune and watching the occupants of the boat with 
an air of mild curiosity. The stranger was the first to 
see him, and with an expression of evident disgust gave 
Merrick warning of his approach. If the detective felt 
any annoyance he did not betray it as he turned and 
nodded to Scott in the most nonchalant manner possible, 
as though dragging the lake were an every-day occurrence. 

137 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


You’ve been fishing, I see,” said Scott, pleasantly. 
** How did you make out?” 

‘‘Well, I’ve made this find which you see here,” an- 
swered Mr. Merrick, as the boat headed for shore. “I 
don’t know yet what it is, but it has not lain long in the 
water, and it may be worth looking into. ’ ’ 

Scott made no reply until the detective had sprung 
ashore ; then, as the latter proceeded to examine the box, 
leaving his companion to take care of the boat and drag, 
he said, in a low tone, — 

“That is likely to prove an important discovery, Mr. 
Merrick. ’ ’ 

“ You are familiar with it then?” queried the latter. 

“I have seen it in Mr. Mainwaring’s safe. That was 
the box in which he kept the old jewels that were stolen 
on the night of the murder.” 

Mr. Merrick whistled softly and studied the box anew. 
“ Well, there are no jewels in it now, but we will open it. 
There is no one up yet to let us into the house, so suppose 
we go to the stables ; we’ll be safe there from intrusion.” 

They proceeded to the stables, and, arriving there, Scott 
was puzzled to see Merrick’s companion at work and evi- 
dently perfectly at home. 

“We are going to use your room a while, Matthews,” 
said Merrick, carelessly. Then, noting the surprise on 
Scott’s face, he added, “This is Matthews, the new coach- 
man, Mr. Scott. I thought you knew of his coming. ’ ’ 

“At your service, sir,” said Matthews, respectfully 
lifting his cap in response to Scott’s greeting, while the 
latter inquired, as he and the detective passed up-stairs 
together, — 

“ When did he come?” 

“Yesterday afternoon. He applied for the position, 
and, as he happened to be an acquaintance of mine, Mr. 
138 


X-RAYS 


Mainwaring hired him upon my recommendation. Now,’* 
as he locked the door of the room they had entered, * * we 
will open this box as quickly as possible. I suppose there 
is no key to be found, and, if there were, the lock is too 
rusty to work. ’ ’ 

With the aid of a file and chisel the box was soon 
opened. The satin linings were somewhat water-soaked 
and discolored, and the box appeared to be empty, but on 
opening an inner compartment there were exposed to 
view a pair of oddly shaped keys and a blood-stained 
handkerchief, the latter firmly knotted as though it had 
been used to bandage a wound of some kind. 

‘‘Ah!” said the detective, with peculiar emphasis, ex- 
amining the handkerchief, which was of fine linen, with 
the initials “ H. M.” embroidered in one corner. “Did 
Mr. Mainwaring carry a handkerchief of that style ?’ ’ 

“Yes; he carried that, or one precisely like it, the last 
day of his life.” 

“Very good!” was the only reply, as the detective 
carefully folded and pocketed the article with an air that 
indicated that he wished to say no more about it. “And 
these keys, do you recognize them?” 

“They were Mr. Mainwaring’ s private keys to his 
library and the southern hall.” 

“ The ones the valet said were missing?” 

“ The same.” 

Mr. Merrick, after studying them curiously for a mo- 
ment, consigned them to his pocket also, and then began 
a careful inspection of the interior of the box. Scott 
watched him in silence, thinking meanwhile of the old 
document which he had found hidden away in its depths, 
and inwardly rejoicing that it had not been left to be 
discovered by the detective. Nothing in Mr. Merrick’s 
manner or expression betrayed the nature of his thoughts, 

139 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


and, so long as he chose to remain silent, Scott refrained 
from questioning him. 

At length he closed the box, saying, indifferently, 
‘‘Well, I don’t know as there is any reason why I should 
detain you any longer, Mr. Scott. We have satisfied 
ourselves as to the contents of the box, and you have 
identified the articles. For the present, however, I would 
prefer that you say nothing of this. ’ ’ 

“Certainly, Mr. Merrick. The discovery, whatever its 
import, is your secret, and I shall make no mention of it 
whatever. ’ ’ 

“I don’t know that it is of any special importance,’* 
said the detective, carelessly, as they prepared to descend 
the stairs; “but it only confirms the opinion that I have 
had all along.” 

“Don’t you think that this tends to show that the 
murder and robbery were connected, notwithstanding Mr. 
Whitney’s theories to the contrary?” Scott inquired, as 
they were about to separate. 

“Possibly,” replied the other, gravely. Then added, 
with a smile, “ Mr. Whitney has his own preconceived 
ideas of the case and tries to adapt the circumstances to 
suit them, when, in reality, one must first ascertain what- 
ever facts are available and adjust his theories accordingly. ’ ’ 

They parted company at the door of the stables, but 
Scott had not reached the house when the detective, with 
a peculiar smile, returned to the room up-stairs, and once 
more opening the box, drew forth from underneath the 
satin linings a folded paper, yellow with age and covered 
with closely written lines, which he read with great interest, 
after which he remained absorbed in thought until aroused 
by the entrance of his friend, the coachman. 

Several hours later Scott stood alone beside the casket 
of the murdered man. The head had been turned slightly 
140 


X-RAYS 


to one side and a spray of white blossoms, dropped with 
seeming carelessness within the casket, concealed all traces 
of the ghastly wound, their snowy petals scarcely whiter 
than the marble features of the dead. 

It lacked more than an hour of the time set for the 
funeral. None of the few invited friends would arrive for 
some time yet. The gentlemen of the house were still in 
the hands of their valets, and the ladies engrossed with 
the details of their elegant mourning costumes. Scott, 
knowing he would be secure from interruption, had chosen 
this opportunity to take his farewell look at the face of his 
employer, desiring' to be alone with his own thoughts 
beside the dead. 

With strangely commingled emotions he gazed upon the 
face, so familiar, and yet upon which the death angel had 
already traced many unfamiliar lines, and as he realized the 
utter loneliness of the rich man, both in life and in death, 
a wave of intense pity swept across heart and brain, well- 
nigh obliterating all sense of personal wrong and inju^. 

‘‘Unhappy man!” he murmured. “Unloved in life, 
unmourned in death ! Not one of those whom you sought 
to enrich will look upon you to-day with one-half the 
sorrow or the pity with which I do, whom you have 
wronged and defrauded from the day of my birth ! But 
I forgive you the wrong you have done me. It was slight 
compared with the far greater wrong you did another, — 
your brother — your only brother ! A wrong which no 
sums of money, however vast, could ever repair. What 
would I not give if I could once have stood by his side, 
even as I stand by yours to-day, and looked once upon his 
face, — the face of your brother and of the father whom, 
because of your guilt, I have never seen or known, of 
whom I have not even a memory ! Living, I could never 
have forgiven you; but here, to-day, in pity for your 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


loveless life and out of the great love I bear that father in 
his far-away ocean grave, — in his name and in my own, — 
I forgive you, his brother, even that wrong ! ’ ’ 

As Scott left the room, he passed Mr. Whitney in the 
hall, who, seeing in his face traces of recent emotion, 
looked after him with great surprise. 

‘‘ That young man is a mystery !” he soliloquized. ‘‘A 
mystery ! I confess I cannot understand him. ’ ’ 

A little later the master of Fair Oaks passed for the last 
time down the winding, oak-lined avenue, followed by the 
guests of the place and by a small concourse of friends, 
whose sorrow, though unexpressed by outward signs of 
mourning, was, in reality, the more sincere. 

Mrs. LaGrange, who, as housekeeper, had remained at 
Fair Oaks, seemed, as the last carriage disappeared from 
view, to be on the verge of collapse from nervous prostra- 
tion. No one knew the mental excitement or the terrible 
nervous strain which she had undergone during those last 
few day^. Many at the funeral had noted her extreme 
pallor, but no one dreamed of the tremendous will power 
by which she had maintained her customary haughty bear- 
ing. When all had gone, she rose and attempted to go to 
her room, but in the hall she staggered helplessly and, with 
a low moan, sank unconscious to the floor. The screams of 
the chambermaid, who had seen her fall, summoned to her 
assistance the other servants, who carried her to her room, 
where she slowly regained consciousness, opening her eyes 
with an expression of terror, then closing them again with 
a shudder. Suddenly she seemed to recall her surroundings ; 
with a great eflbrt she rallied and dismissed the servants, 
with the exception of the chambermaid, saying, “It was 
nothing, only a little faintness caused by the heat. The 
room was insufferably close. Say nothing of this to the 
others when they return. ’ ’ 


142 


X-RAYS 


With Katie’s assistance, she exchanged her heavy dress 
for a light wrapper of creamy silk, and soon seemed her- 
self again except for her unusual pallor. 

‘‘That will do, Katie; I shall not need you further. 
By the way, did Walter go with the others, or did he 
remain at home ?’ ’ 

“ Mr. Walter is in his room, ma’am ; and I heard Hardy 
say that he was packing up his clothes and things. ’ ’ 

Mrs. LaGrange betrayed no surprise, no emotion of any 
kind. “Say to him that I would like to see him in my 
room at once. ’ ’ 

The girl disappeared, leaving Mrs. LaGrange to her own 
reflections, which seemed anything but pleasant. The look 
of terror returned to her face; she clinched her hands 
until the jewels cut deeply into the white fingers; then, 
springing to her feet, she paced the room wildly until she 
heard the footsteps of her son approaching, when she 
instantly assumed her usual composure. 

Walter LaGrange had left Fair Oaks immediately at the 
close of the inquest, and had not returned except to be 
present at the funeral, and even there his sullen appearance 
had caused general remark. Very little love had ever 
existed between mother and son, for neither had a nature 
capable of deep affection, but never until now had there 
been any open rupture between them. Though closely 
resembling each other, he lacked her ability to plan and 
execute, and had hitherto been content to follow her coun- 
sels. But, as he now entered his mother’s room, a glance 
revealed to her that her authority and influence over him 
were past. 

“You sent for me, I believe. What do you want?” he 
asked, as she looked at him without speaking. 

“Do you consider your conduct becoming towards a 
mother who is risking everything for you and your interests^” 

lO, 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


'‘Oh, my interests be hanged!” he exclaimed, petu- 
lantly. "I don’t see that you’ve accomplished much for 
my interests with all your scheming. A week ago I could 
hold up my head with any of the fellows. I was supposed 
to be a relative of Hugh Mainwaring’s, with good prospects, 
and that I would come in for a good round sum whenever 
the old fellow made his will, — ^just as I did. Now that’s 
gone, and everything’s gone; I haven’t even a name 
left!” 

"Walter LaG range, what do you mean? Do you dare 

insinuate to your own mother ’ ’ 

"Why don’t you call me Walter Mainwaring?” he 
sneered. "As to insinuations, I have to hear plenty of 
’em. Last night I was black-balled at one of the clubs 
where my name had been presented for membership, and a 
lot of the fellows have cut me dead. ’ ’ 

"Walter, listen to me. You are Hugh Mainwaring’s 
son and I was his wife. I will yet compel people to 

recognize us as such ; but you must ’ ’ 

"Tell me one thing,” he demanded, interrupting her. 
"If I was Hugh Mainwaring’s son, why have I not borne 
his name? Why did he not recognize me as such? I’ll 
claim no man for my father who would not acknowledge 
me as his son.” 

Then, before she could reply, he added, "If you were 
the wife of Hugh Mainwaring, what was the meaning of 
your proposal of marriage to him less than three months 
ago?” 

She grew deathly pale; but he, seeming to enjoy the 
situation, repeated, sneeringly, "Less than three months 
ago, the night on which he gave you the necklace which 
you commissioned me to sell the other day ! You urged 
your suit with a vengeance, too, I remember, for you 
threatened to ruin him if he did not come to your terms. 

144 


X-RAYS 


I only laughed then, for I thought ’twas another scheme of 
yours to get a tighter hold on the old man’s purse-strings. 
It’s nothing to me what your object was, but in view of 
the fact that I happened to overhear that little episode, it 
might be just as well not to try to tell me that I am Hugh 
Mainwaring’s son. You will naturally see that I am not 
likely to be interested in helping carry out that little 
farce ! ’ ’ 

Still controlling herself by a tremendous will power, the 
wretched woman made one more desperate effort. In low 
tones she replied, — 

‘‘You show your base ingratitude by thus insulting your 
mother and running the risk of betraying her to listening 
servants by your talk. Of course, this is all a farce, as 
you say, but it must be carried through. You and I were 
distantly related to Hugh Mainwaring, but what chance 
would we have against these people with no more of a 
claim than ours ? I am compelled to assert that I was his 
wife and that you are his son in order to win any recogni- 
tion in the eyes of the law. ’ ’ 

For an instant her son regarded her with an expression 
of mingled surprise and incredulity, then the sneer returned, 
and, turning to leave the room, he answered, carelessly, — 

“You can tell your little story to other people, and 
when you have won a fortune on it, why. I’ll be around 
for my share, as, whatever my doubts in other directions, 
I have not the slightest doubt that you are my mother, and 
therefore bound to support me. But, for the present, if 
you please. I’ll go by the old name of LaGrange. It’s a 
name that suits me very well yet, even though,’’ and a 
strange look flashed at her from his dark eyes, “even 
though it may be only a borrowed one,” and the door 
closed, for the last time, between mother and son. 

A low moan escaped from the lips of the unhappy 

lo 145 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


woman. '' My son — the only living being of my flesh and 
blood — even he has turned against me!” Too proud to 
recall him, however, she sank exhausted upon a couch, 
and, burying her face in her hands, wept bitterly for the 
first and only time in her remembrance. 

Meanwhile, the guests of Fair Oaks, having returned 
from the funeral, had assembled in the large library below, 
and were engaged in animated discussion regarding the 
disposition to be made of the property. Ralph Main- 
waring and Mr. Thornton, with pencils and paper, were 
computing stocks and bonds, and estimating how much of 
a margin would be left after the purchase of the old Main- 
waring estate, which they had heard could be bought at 
a comparatively low figure, the present owner being some- 
what embarrassed financially ; while Mrs. Mainwaring was 
making a careful inventory of the furniture, paintings, and 
bric-a-brac at Fair Oaks, with a view of ascertaining 
whether there were any articles which she would care to 
retain for their future home. 

Mr. Whitney, who, as a bachelor and an intimate friend 
of Hugh Mainwaring’ s, as well as his legal adviser, had 
perhaps more than any one else enjoyed the hospitality of 
his beautiful suburban home, found the conversation ex- 
tremely distasteful, and, having furnished whatever inform- 
ation was desired, excused himself and left the room. As 
he sauntered out upon the broad veranda, he was surprised 
to see Miss Carleton, who had made her escape through 
one of the long windows, and who looked decidedly bored. 

“It’s perfectly beastly! Don’t you think so?” she 
exclaimed, looking frankly into his face, as if sure of 
sympathy. 

She had so nearly expressed his own feelings that he 
flushed slightly, as he replied, with a smile, “ It looks rather 
peculiar to an outsider, but I suppose it is only natural.” 

146 




“ EVKN HE HAS TURNED AGAINST Ml 



X-RAYS 


** It is natural for them,” she replied, with emphasis. 

** I did not intend to be personal ; I meant human nature 
generally. ’ ’ 

have too much respect for human nature generally 
to believe it as selfish and as mercenary as that. I have 
learned one lesson, however. I will never leave my prop- 
erty to my friends, hoping by so doing to be held in loving 
remembrance. It would be the surest way to make them 
forget me ! ’ ' 

Has your experience of the last few days made you so 
cynical as that ?’ ’ the attorney inquired, again smiling into 
the bright, fair face beside him. 

It is not cynicism, Mr. Whitney; it is the plain truth. 
I have always known that the Mainwarings as a family 
were mercenary ; but I confess I had no idea, until within 
the last few days, that they were capable of such beastly 
ingratitude. ’ ’ 

‘ ^ Do you mean to say that it is a trait of the entire 
Mainwaring family, or only of this branch in particular ?’ ’ 
he inquired, somewhat amused. 

All the Mainwarings are noted for their worship of the 
golden god,” she replied, with alow musical laugh; ‘^but 
Ralph Mainwaring’ s love of money is almost a monomania. 
He has planned and schemed to get that old piece of 
English property into his hands for years and years, in 
fact, ever since it was willed to Hugh Mainwaring at the 
time his brother was disinherited, and the name he gave to 
his son was the first stone laid to pave the way to this 
coveted fortune.” 

*‘Isee. Pardon me. Miss Carleton ; but you just now 
alluded to Hugh Mainwaring’ s brother. I remember some 
mention was made at the inquest of a brother, but I sup- 
posed it must be an error. Had he really a brother ?’ ’ 

‘^Ah, yes, an elder brother; and he must have been 

147 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


less avaricious than the rest of them, as he sacrificed a 
fortune for love. It was quite a little romance, you know. 
He and his brother Hugh were both in love with the same 
lady. The father did not approve, and gave his sons their 
choice between love without a fortune or a fortune without 
love. Hugh Mainwaring chose the latter, but Harold, 
the elder, was true to his lady, and was consequently 
disinherited. ’ ’ 

‘‘Poor Hugh Mainwaring!” commented the attorney; 
“he made his choice for life of a fortune without love, 
and a sad life it was, too !” 

Miss Carleton glanced up with quick sympathy. “Yes, it 
seemed to me his life must have been rather lonely and sad. ” 

There was a pause, and she added, “And did he never 
speak to you, his intimate friend, of his brother ?’ ’ 

“ Never.” 

‘ ‘ Strange ! Perhaps he was like the others, after all, 
and thought of nothing but money.” 

‘ ‘ No, I cannot believe that of Hugh Mainwaring, ’ ’ the 
attorney replied, loyally; then added, “What became of 
the brother. Miss Carleton ?’ ’ 

“ He was lost at sea. He had started for Africa, to 
make a fortune for himself, but the boat was wrecked in a 
storm and every one on board was lost. ’ ’ 

“And his family, what of them?” queried the attorney. 

“ He had no children, and no one ever knew what 
became of his wife. The Mainwarings are a very prosaic 
family ; that is the only bit of romance in their history ; 
but I always enjoyed that, except that it ended so sadly, 
and I always admired Harold Mainwaring. I would like 
to meet such a man as he. ’ ’ 

“ Why, I should say there was a romance in progress at 
present in the Mainwaring family,” said Mr. Whitney, 
smiling. 


148 


X-RAYS 


‘*What! Hugh and Edith Thornton?” She laughed 
again, a wonderfully musical, rippling laugh, the attorney 
thought. Oh, there is no more romance there than 

there is in that marble,” and she pointed to a beautiful 
Cupid and Psyche embracing each other in the centre of a 
mass of brilliant geraniums and coleas. ** They have been 
engaged ever since their days of long dresses and high- 
chairs, — another of Ralph Mainwaring’s schemes ! You 
know Edith is Hugh’s cousin, an only child, and her 
father is immensely rich ! Oh, no ; if I ever have a 
romance of my own, it must spring right up spontaneously, 
and grow in spite of all opposition. Not one of the sort 
that has been fostered in a hot-house until its life is nearly 
stifled out of it. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney glanced in admiration at the fair English 
face beside him glowing with physical and intellectual 
beauty. Then a moment later, as they passed down the 
long hall in response to the summons to dinner, and he 
caught a glimpse, in one of the mirrors, of a tolerably 
good-looking, professional gentleman of nearly forty, he 
wondered why he suddenly felt so much older than ever 
before. 

Miss Carleton was seated beside him at dinner, while 
nearly opposite was Harry Scott, conversing with young 
Mainwaring. He was quietly but elegantly dressed, and 
his fine physique and noble bearing, as well as the striking 
beauty of his dark face, seemed more marked than usual. 
Mr. Whitney watched the young secretary narrowly. 
Something in the play of his features seemed half familiar, 
and yet gave him a strange sense of pain, but why, he 
could not determine. 

‘^Mr. Whitney,” said Miss Carleton, in a low tone, 
‘Mid you ever observe a resemblance at times between 
Mr. Scott and your friend, Mr. Hugh Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

149 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


The attorney looked up in surprise. ‘‘Why, no, Miss 
Carleton, I would not think a resemblance possible. Mr. 
Scott is much darker and his features are altogether dif- 
ferent. ’ * 

“ Oh, I did not refer to any resemblance of feature or 
complexion, but his manner, and sometimes his expression, 
strikes me as very similar. I suppose because he was 
associated with him so much, you know.” 

Mr. Whitney’s eyes again wandered to the face of the 
secretary. He started involuntarily. “By George!” he 
ejaculated, mentally, “ Hugh Mainwaring, as sure as I 
live ! Not a feature like him, but the same expression. 
What does it mean ? Can it be simply from association ?’ ’ 

In a state of great bewilderment he endeavored still to 
entertain Miss Carleton, though it is to be feared she found 
him rather absent-minded. He was passing out of the 
dining-room in a brown study when some one touched 
his arm. He turned and saw Merrick. 

“When you are at liberty, come out to the grove,” the 
latter said, briefly, and was gone before the attorney could 
more than bow in reply. 


*50 


CHAPTER XIII 


THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE 

Half an hour later, having excused himself to Miss Carle- 
ton, Mr. Whitney hastened to the grove, where he found 
the detective sauntering up and down the winding walk, 
his hands behind him in a reflective mood, absorbed in 
thought and in the enjoyment of a fine cigar. He nodded 
pleasantly as the attorney approached. 

‘‘Going to be at liberty for some time?” he inquired, 
at the same time extending his cigar-case. 

“Yes, for any length of time you please; it’s a relief to 
get away from those egotists. ’ ’ 

“ H’m !” said Merrick, as he returned the cigar-case to 
his pocket after the attorney had helped himself ; I didn’t 
think that you looked particularly anxious to be relieved of 
your company when I saw you. I really felt considerable 
delicacy about speaking as I did. ’ ’ 

“Oh, to the deuce with your nonsense!” the attorney 
replied, his cheek flushing as he lighted his cigar. “ If you 
had listened to the twaddle that I have all day, you would 
be glad to talk to almost any one for a change. ’ ’ 

“ In that event, perhaps you won’t mind talking to me 
for a while. Well, suppose we go down to the stables, to 
the coachman’s room ; he is probably with his best girl by 
this time, and we will be safe from interruption or eaves- 
droppers. ’ ’ 

“That suits me all right so long as Ralph Mainwaring 
doesn’t think of looking for me there. That man makes 
me exceedingly weary ! ” 

>51 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


** Anxious to secure the property according to the terms 
of that will, I suppose.” 

‘‘Anxious! He is perfectly insane on the subject; he 
can’t talk of anything else, and he’ll move heaven and 
earth to accomplish it, too, if necessary. ’ ’ 

“ Don’t anticipate any difficulty, do you ?” 

“None whatever, unless from that woman; there’s no 
knowing to what she may resort. It will only be necessary 
to prove that the will, if not in existence at the death of 
the testator, was fraudulently destroyed prior thereto, and 
I think we have a pretty clear case. By George, Merrick ! ’ ’ 
suddenly exclaimed the attorney in a different tone, as he 
paused on the way to the stables. “ I hadn’t thought of it 
before, but there’s one thing ought to be done ; we should 
have this lake dragged at once. ’ ’ 

Merrick raised his eyebrows in mute inquiry. 

“ To find whatever Brown threw in there, you know ; it 
might furnish us with an almighty important clue. ’ ’ 

“H’m! might be a good idea,” Merrick remarked, 
thoughtfully. 

“ Of course it would 1 I tell you, Merrick, I was cut out 
for a detective myself, and I’m pretty good for an amateur, 
now. ’ ’ 

“ Haven’t a doubt of it,” was the quiet response, and 
the pair resumed their walk. Both were soon comfortably 
seated in the coachman’s room, their chairs tilted at just 
the right angle before a large double window, facing the 
sunset. Both smoked in silence for a few moments, each 
waiting for the other to speak. 

“Well, my friend, what do you know?” inquired the 
detective, while he watched the delicate spirals of blue 
smoke as they diffused themselves in the golden haze of the 
sunlight. 

“ Just what I was about to ask you,” said his companion. 

.>52 


THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE 


** Oh, time enough for that later. You have been look- 
ing into this case, and, as you are a born detective, I 
naturally would like to compare notes with you.” 

Mr. Whitney glanced sharply at the detective, as though 
suspicious of some sarcasm lurking in those words, but the 
serious face of the latter reassured him, and he replied, — 

‘‘Well, I’ve not had much experience in that line, but 
I’ve made quite a study of character, and can tell pretty 
correctly what a person of such and such evident character- 
istics will do under such and such conditions. As I have 
already stated to you, I know, both from observation and 
from hints dropped by Hugh Mainwaring, that if ever a 
dangerous woman existed, — artful, designing, absolutely 
devoid of the first principles of truth, honor, or virtue, — that 
woman is Mrs. LaGrange. I know that Mainwaring stood 
in fear of her to a certain extent, and that she was con- 
stantly seeking, by threats, to compel him to either marry 
her or secure the property to her and her son ; and I also 
know that he was anxious to have the will drawn in favor 
of his namesake as quickly and as secretly as possible. 

“ Now, knowing all these circumstances, what is more 
reasonable than to suppose that she, learning in some way 
of his intentions, would resort to desperate measures to 
thwart them ? Her first impulse would be to destroy the 
will; then to make one final effort to bring him, by 
threats, to her terms, and, failing in that, her fury would 
know no bounds. Now, what does she do? Sends for 
Hobson, the one man whom Hugh Mainwaring feared, who 
knew his secret and stood ready to betray it. Between 
them the plot was formed. They have another interview 
in the evening, to which Hobson brings one of his coadju- 
tors, the two coming by different ways like the vile con- 
spirators they were, and in all probability, when Hugh 
Mainwaring bade his guests good-night, every detail of his 

153 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


death was planned and ready to be carried into execution 
in the event of his refusing to comply with that woman’s 
demands made by herself, personally, and later, through 
Hobson. We know, from the darkey’s testimony, that 
Hobson and his companion appeared in the doorway to- 
gether; that the man suddenly vanished — probably con- 
cealing himself in the shrubbery — as Hobson went back 
into the house ; that a few moments later, the latter reap- 
peared with Mrs. LaGrange ; and the darkey tells me that 
he, supposing all was right, slunk away in the bushes and 
left them standing there. We know that the valet, going 
up stairs a while after, found Mrs. LaGrange in the private 
library, and at the same time detected the smell of burning 
paper. You found the burnt fragments of the will in the 
grate in the tower-room. 

Now, to my mind, it is perfectly clear that Mrs. La- 
Grange and Hobson proceeded together to the library and 
tower-room, where they first destroyed the will, and where 
she secreted him to await the result of her interview with 
Mainwaring, at the same time providing him with the 
private keys by which he could effect his escape, and with 
Hugh Mainwaring’ s own revolver with which the terrible 
deed was done. Later, finding that Mainwaring would not 
accede to her demands, I believe she left that room know- 
ing to a certainty what his fate would be in case Hobson 
could not succeed in making terms with him, and I believe 
her object in coming down the corridor afterwards was 
simply to ascertain that her plans were being carried into 
execution. Now there is my theory of this whole affair ; 
what do you think of it ?’ ’ 

‘^Very ingeniously put together! What about the 
jewels ? Do you think Hobson took them ?’ ’ 

*‘No. I think Mrs. LaGrange got possession of them 
in some way. She has no means of her own to hire that 

IS4 


THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE 


scoundrel, yet the darkey heard her promise to pay him lib- 
erally, and you see her very first attempt to pay him was by 
the sale of some of those jewels. I’ll acknowledge I’m not 
prepared to say how or when she secured them.” 

** Could she open the safe ?’ ’ 

That I cannot say. Mainwaring told me, some months 
ago, that he found her one day attempting to open it, and 
he immediately changed the combination. Whether she 
had discovered the new combination, I am unable to say ; 
but she is a deep woman, and usually finds some way of ac- 
complishing her designs.” 

‘‘Brown, the coachman, seems to have no place in this 
theory of yours.” 

“Well, of course we none of us thought of him in con- 
nection with this affair until since his sudden disappearance 
yesterday, but I am inclined to think that he is to be re- 
garded in the light of an accessory after the fact. I think it 
very probable that Mrs. LaGrange has employed him since 
the murder to assist her in concealing evidences of the 
crime, and that is why I suggested dragging the lake in 
search of what njay be hidden there ; but, according to his 
own story, he was in the city that night until some time 
after the murder was committed. ’ ’ 

“Yes, according to his own story, but in reality he did 
not go to the city at all that night. More than that, he 
was seen in this vicinity about midnight with a couple of 
suspicious looking characters. ’ ’ 

“ By George ! when did you learn that?” 

“ I knew it when Brown gave his testimony at the 
inquest. ’ ’ 

“The deuce you did ! and then let the rascal give you 
the slip, after all ! ” 

“Don’t give yourself any anxiety on that score; lean 
produce Brown any hour he’s wanted. One of my subor- 

155 


THAT MAIN WARING AFFAIR 


dinates has his eye on him day and night. At last reports, 
he and Brown were occupying the same room in a third- 
class lodging house; I’ll wager they’re having a game of 
cards together this evening. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Well, well ! you have stolen a march on us. But, if I 
may ask, why don’t you bag your game?” 

“lam using him as a decoy for larger game. Whatever 
Brown is mixed up in, he is only a tool in the hands of 
older and shrewder rascals. ’ ’ 

Before the attorney could say anything further, Merrick 
rose abruptly and stepped to a table near by, returning with 
a package. 

“What do you think of that?” he asked, removing the 
wrappings and holding up the rusty, metallic box. 

“Great heavens !” ejaculated Mr. Whitney, springing 
forward excitedly. “Why, man alive, you don’t mean to 
say that you have found the jewels ! ’ * 

“No such good fortune as that yet,” the detective 
answered quietly, “only the empty casket;” and having 
opened the box, he handed it to the attorney. 

“ Where did you find this?” the latter inquired. 

“Fished it out of the lake.” 

“ Ah-h ! I should like to know when. ’ ’ 

“ While you were snoring this morning.” 

“ Great Scott ! They’ll catch a weasel asleep when they 
find you napping ! But, by George ! this rather confirms 
my theory about that woman getting possession of the jewels 
and hiring Brown to help her, doesn’t it?” 

Without replying, Merrick handed over the revolver 
which had been brought to light that morning. 

“Where did you get this rusty thing? Was it in the 
lake, also?” 

The detective nodded affirmatively, and Mr. Whitney ex- 
amined the weapon in some perplexity. 

*56 


THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE 


*'Well, I must say,” he remarked at length, I don’t 
see what connection this has with the case. The shooting 
was done with Hugh Mainwaring’s own revolver ; that was 
settled at the inquest ’ ’ 

Pardon me! It was only ‘settled’ that the revolver 
found lying beside him was his own.” 

The attorney stared as Merrick continued, at the same time 
producing from his pocket the revolver in question, “ This, 
as you are doubtless aware, is a Smith and Wesson, 32 cali- 
bre, while that,” pointing to the rusty weapon in Mr. 
Whitney’s hands, “ is an old Colt’s revolver, a 38. On the 
morning of the murder, after you and the coroner had gone, 
I found the bullet for which we had searched unsuccessfully, 
and from that hour to this I have known, what before I had 
suspected, that this dainty little weapon of Mr. Main- 
waring’s played no part in the shooting. Here is the bullet, 
you can see for yourself. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney gazed in silent astonishment as the detec- 
tive compared the bullet with the two weapons, showing 
conclusively that it could never have been discharged from 
the familiar 3 2 -calibre revolver. 

“Well, I’ll be blessed if I can see what in the dickens 
that revolver of Mainwaring’s had to do with the affair, 
anyway ! ’ ’ 

“Very easily explained when you once take into con- 
sideration the fact that the whole thing was an elaborately 
arranged plan, on the part of the murderer, to give the 
affair an appearance of suicide. One glance at the mur- 
dered man convinced me that the wound had never been 
produced by the weapon lying at his side. That clue led 
to others, and when I left that room with you, to attend 
the inquest, I knew that Hugh Mainwaring had been shot 
with a 38 -calibre revolver, in his library, near the centre 
of the room, and that the body had afterwards been so 

IS7 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


arranged in the tower-room as to give the appearance of his 
having deliberately shot himself beside his desk and with his 
own revolver.” 

‘ ‘ By George ! I believe you’ re right, ’ ’ said the attorney ; 
‘'and I recall now your statement that day, that the shoot- 
ing had occurred in the library; I wondered then what 
reason you had for such an opinion. ’ ’ 

“ A small stain on the library carpet and the bullet told 
me that much. Another thing, which at first puzzled me, 
was the marked absence of blood-stains. There was a 
small pool of blood underneath the head, a slight stain on 
the carpet in the adjoining room, but none on the clothing 
or elsewhere. The solution to this I found on further in- 
vestigation. The wound had been firmly and skilfully 
bandaged by an expert hand, the imprint of the bandage 
being plainly visible in the hair on the temples. Here is the 
proof that I was correct, ’ ’ and Merrick held up to the at- 
torney’ s astonished view the stained and knotted handker- 
chief. “This, with the private keys belonging to Mr. 
Mainwaring’s library, was in that box at the bottom of the 
lake. Do you consider Mrs. LaGrange or Hobson capable 
of planning and carrying out an affair so adroitly as 
that?” 

“You’ve got me floored,” the attorney answered, gaz- 
ing at the proofs before him. “ Hobson I know nothing 
about ; but that woman I believe could scheme to beat the 
very devil himself ; and yet, Merrick, when you think of it, 
it must have taken time — considerable time — to plan a 
thing like that. ’ ’ 

“ Or else,” Merrick suggested, “ it was the performance 
of an expert criminal ; no bungling, no work of a green 
hand.” 

Mr. Whitney started slightly, but the detective continued. 
“Another point: Hobson, as you say, was the one man 
158 


THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE 


whom Hugh Mainwaring feared and who evidently had 
some hold upon him ; would he then have dared denounce 
him as a liar and an impostor? Would not his use of such 
terms imply that he was addressing one whom he con- 
sidered a stranger and unacquainted with the facts in the 
case?” 

‘^Isee,” the attorney replied quickly; ^‘you have in 
mind Hobson’ s accomplice, the tall man with dark glasses.” 

Merrick smiled. ^‘You are then inclined to the 
opinion that J. Henry Carruthers, who called in the after- 
noon, is identical with the so-called Jack Carroll who ac- 
companied Hobson in the evening ?’ ’ 

Certainly that is a reasonable supposition. The de- 
scriptions of the two men agree remarkably, and the darkey 
was positive, both in his testimony at the inquest and in 
conversation with me, that they were one and the same 
person.” 

Their general appearance seems to have been much 
the same, but their conduct and actions were totally unlike. 
Carruthers acted fearlessly, with no attempt at concealment ; 
while, if you will stop to think of it, of all the witnesses 
who tried to give a description of Carroll, not one had 
seen his face. He always remained in the background, as 
much concealed as possible. ’ ’ 

I don’t deny that you are correct,” the attorney said 
musingly; ‘'and they may have been two distinct indi- 
viduals, Carroll evidently being the guilty party ; but even 
in that event, in my opinion, he was only carrying out 
with a skilful hand the plans already arranged by that 
woman and Hobson.” 

“Whatever part Carroll took in the affair, he was un- 
doubtedly Hobson’s agent ; and you will find that Hobson 
and Mrs. LaGrange have been more intimately associated 
and for a much longer time than you suspect, ’ ’ and Mer- 

159 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

rick repeated what he had overheard of the interview in 
Mrs. LaGrange’s parlor, just after the close of the inquest. 

Mr. Whitney listened with deep interest. Well, well ! 
And you heard her accuse him of being an accessory? 
Of course she referred to the murder. By George ! I 
should have wanted them arrested on the spot !” 

After a slight pause, he continued. ‘‘There’s one thing, 
Merrick, in the conduct of Carruthers which I don’t 
understand. Why, after telling the secretary that he 
would remain at the Arlington for the next two or three 
days, should he return to the city the next morning on 
the 3.10 train?” 

“ He seems to have been an impulsive man, who acted 
on the spur of the moment,” Merrick answered; “but 
the strangest part of that is, that he did not return to the 
city at all. He bought a ticket for New York, but the 
conductor informs me there was no such man on board; 
while the north -bound train, which pulls out about five 
minutes later, had a passenger answering exactly to his 
description. The conductor on the latter train also in- 
formed me that, just as they were pulling out of the 
station, a man, tall and dark, rather good looking, he 
should judge, though he could not see his face, and 
wearing a long, light overcoat, sprang aboard, decidedly 
winded, as though from running, and immediately steered 
for the darkest corner of the smoking-car, where he sat 
with his hat well drawn down over his face. ’ ’ 

“ Carroll again, by George !” exclaimed the attorney. 

“Here is a problem for you to solve,” Merrick con- 
tinued, pointing to the revolver and box lying side by 
side. “You think Brown threw those in the lake. Who 
was the man that Brown saw standing beside the lake just 
before three o’clock in the morning, and what was he 
doing? He was tall and dark, and wore a long coat or 

160 


THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE 


ulster. Was that Carroll or Carruthers? Did he throw 
anything into the lake ? And if so, what ?’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney gazed dubiously at the detective for a 
moment, then began to whistle softly, while he slowly 
shook his head. 

‘ ‘ No, Merrick ; you’ ve got me there ! I never have 
had enough experience in this line that I could go into 
the detail work. I have to be guided by the main points in 
the case. Then, again, I gave Brown’s testimony very little 
thought, as I considered him unreliable and irresponsible. ’ ’ 
Well, to come back to the * main points,’ then : what 
reasons have you for connecting Mrs. LaGrange and Hob- 
son with this affair that might not apply equally well in 
the cases of certain other people ?’ ’ 

What reason? Why, man alive ! there is every reason 
to consider Mrs. LaGrange the instigator of the whole 
affair. In the first place, her one object and aim for the 
past seventeen or eighteen years has been to get hold of 
Hugh Mainwaring’s property, to secure for herself and her 

son what she calls their * rights’ ” 

“That is the point,” Merrick interrupted. “You con- 
sider her guilty because she would be interested in securing 
a hold upon the property, although she, personally, has no 
claim whatever. Has it never occurred to you that there 
might be others more deeply interested than she, inasmuch 
as they have valid claims, being the rightful heirs ?’ ’ 

“ I never thought of such a possibility,” said the aston- 
ished attorney; “and I don’t know that I understand 
now to whom you refer. ’ ’ 

“I have learned from various reliable sources,” the 
detective replied, “that Ralph Mainwaring has a younger 
brother, Harold, who is as much of a money-lover as 
himself, though too indolent to take the same measures 
for acquiring it. He is a reckless, unprincipled fellow, and 

i6i 


II 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


having about run through his own property, I understand, 
he has had great expectations regarding this American 
estate, depending upon his share of the same to retrieve 
his wasted fortune. I learned yesterday, by cable, that 
since the departure of Ralph Mainwaring and his family 
for this country, his brother has been missing, and it is 
supposed, among his associates in London, that he took 
the next steamer for America, intending to assert his own 
claims. ’ ’ 

‘‘And you think ” the attorney interrupted, breath- 

lessly ; but Merrick shook his head and continued, — 

“I have also, in the course of my investigations, inci- 
dentally discovered Hugh Mainwaring’s secret, and, con- 
sequently, Hobson’s secret, only that I know the real facts 
in the case, which Hobson does not know. You, as 
Mainwaring’s friend, will not care to learn the details, and 
I shall not speak of them now, but I will say this much : 
there are probably in existence to-day, and perhaps not 
very far distant, heirs to this property, having a claim 
preceding not only that of Ralph Mainwaring or his son, 
but of Hugh Mainwaring himself. ’ ’ 

There was silence for a few moments as the detective 
paused, Mr. Whitney’s surprise rendering him speechless; 
at last he said, — 

“Well, you are a truthful fellow, Merrick, and you 
never jump at conclusions, so I know your statements can 
be relied upon ; but I’ll be blessed if I understand how or 
when you have gathered all this information together. I 
suppose it would be useless to ask your deductions from all 
this, but I wish you would answer one or two questions. 
Do you think that this Harold Mainwaring, or those pos- 
sible heirs you mention, would put in an appearance per- 
sonally, or that they would work through agents and 
emissaries ?’ ’ 

162 


THEORIES, WISE AND OTHERWISE 


** Depends altogether upon circumstances. Harold 
Mainwaring would not be likely to appear on the scene 
unless he were pretty effectually disguised. As to the 
others, — if they were to assert their claim, — it would be 
difficult to say just what course they might take. I have 
made these statements merely to give you a hint of the 
possibilities involved in the case. It is now getting rather 
late, but I will give you one or two pointers to ruminate 
upon. Don’t think that Hobson will run any risks or 
put himself to any personal inconvenience for Mrs. La- 
Grange. He is working first and foremost for Richard 
Hobson, after that for whoever will pay him best. An- 
other thing, don’t ever for a moment imagine that Hugh 
Mainwaring’ s private secretary is looking for a job. It’s 
my opinion he’ll give you fellows one of the hardest jobs 
you ever tackled; and, unless I’m greatly mistaken, he’s 
got brains enough and backing enough to carry through 
whatever he undertakes. ’ ’ 

Say ! I don’t know as I exactly catch your meaning; 
but that’s one thing I wanted to ask you. What do you 
think of that young man, anyway? I can’t make him 
out.” 

** I noticed that you had not assigned him any place in 
that theory of yours. ’ ’ 

‘‘No; he’s been a mystery to me, a perfect mystery; 
but this evening a new idea has occurred to me, and I 
would like your judgment on it. Has he ever reminded 
you of any one ? That is, can you recall any one whom 
he resembles?” 

“Well, I should say there was a marked resemblance. 
I’ve often wondered where your eyes were that you had 
not seen it.” 

“You have noticed it, then? Well, so have I; but it 
has puzzled me, for, though the look was familiar, I was 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


unable to recall whose it was until to-night. Now that 1 
have recalled it, that, taken in connection with some other 
things I have observed, has led me to wonder whether it 
were possible that he is a son of Hugh Mainwaring’s, of 
whose existence no one in this country has ever known. ’ ’ 
Hugh Mainwaring ! I don’t understand you.” 

‘‘Why, you just acknowledged you had noticed the 
resemblance between them ! ’ ’ 

“ I beg your pardon ; but you must recollect that I have 
never seen Hugh Mainwaring living, and have little idea 
how he looked. ’ ’ 

“By George! that’s a fact. Well, then, who in the 
dickens do you think he resembles ?’ ’ 

The coachman’s step w^as heard at that instant on the 
stairs, and Merrick’s reply was necessarily brief. 

“Laying aside expression, take feature for feature, and 
you have the face of Mrs. LaG range. ’ ’ 


164 


CHAPTER XIV 


THE EXIT OF SCOTT, THE SECRETARY 

One of the first duties which the secretary was called 
upon to perform, during his brief stay at Fair Oaks, was 
to make a copy of the lost will. He still retained in his 
possession the stenographic notes of the original document 
as it had been dictated by Hugh Mainwaring on that last 
morning of his life, and it was but the work of an hour or 
two to again transcribe them in his clear chirography. 

Engaged in this work, he was seated at the large desk in 
the tower-room, which had that morning been opened for 
use for the first time since the death of its owner. He 
wrote rapidly, and the document was nearly completed 
when Mr. Whitney and Ralph Mainwaring together en- 
tered the adjoining room. 

Egad !” he heard the latter exclaim, angrily, if that 
blasted scoundrel thinks he has any hold on me, or that he 
can keep me on the rack as he did Hugh, he’ll find he has 
made the biggest mistake of his life. It is nothing but 
a blackmailing scheme, and I’ve more than half a mind to 
sift the whole matter to the bottom and land that beggarly 
impostor where he belongs. ’ ’ 

* ‘ I hardly know just what to advise under the circum- 
stances,” Mr. Whitney answered, quietly, for I, naturally, 
have some personal feeling in this matter, and I am forced 
to believe, Mr. Mainwaring, that there is something back 
of all this which neither you nor I would care to have 
given publicity. But, laying aside that consideration, I 
am of the opinion that it might not be to your interest to 
push this matter too closely. ’ ’ 

i6s 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘‘On what grounds, sir, do you base your opinion?’* 
Mr. Mainwaring demanded. 

The attorney’s reply, however, was lost upon Scott, 
whose attention had been suddenly arrested by the imprint 
of a peculiar signature across one corner of the blotter upon 
which he was drying his work, now completed. Instantly, 
oblivious to everything else, he carefully examined the 
blotter. It was a large one, fastened to the top of the 
desk, and had been in use but a comparatively short time. 
It bore traces both of Hugh Mainwaring’ s writing and of 
his own, but this name, standing out boldly on one corner, 
was utterly unlike either. Nor did it resemble any of the 
signatures attached to the will on that memorable day 
when the desk with its paraphernalia had been last used. 

Considerably perplexed, Scott suddenly recalled a small 
pocket mirror which he had seen in the desk. This he 
speedily found, and, having placed it at the right angle, 
leaned over to get a view of the name as it had been 
originally written. As he did so, he caught sight of some 
faint lines above the signature which he had not observed, 
but which were plainly visible in the mirror. It was well 
for the secretary that he was alone, for, as he read the 
signature with the words outlined above, he was spellbound. 
For a moment he seemed almost paralyzed, unable to 
move. His brain whirled, and, when he at last sank back 
in his chair, his face was blanched and he felt giddy and 
faint from the discovery which he had made. Gradually 
he became conscious of his surroundings. Again he heard, 
as in a dream, the conversation in the adjoining room. 
The attorney was speaking. 

“ I do not at present feel at liberty to give the source of 
my information, but I can assure you it is perfectly reliable, 
and my informant would never have made such an assertion 
unless he had ample authority to back it up. ’ ’ 

i66 


THE EXIT OF SCOTT, THE SECRETARY 


I don’t care a rap for your information or its source,” 
the other interrupted, impatiently. “The whole thing is 
simply preposterous. The estate descended regularly to 
Hugh Mainwaring, and from him to our own family as 
next of kin. You can see for yourself that to talk of any 
other claimants having prior rights is an utter absurdity. ’ ’ 

“ Had not Hugh Mainwaring an elder brother?” 

“ He had ; but you must be aware that he died a great 
many years ago. ’ ’ 

“ But had that elder brother no issue?” 

“None living,” Mr. Mainwaring replied, coldly. Then 
added, in the same tone, ‘ ‘ Even had there been, that fact 
would have no bearing on this case, Mr. Whitney. The 
entire estate was transferred to Hugh Mainwaring by legal 
process before the death of his brother, he and his heirs 
having been forever disinherited, so that it is the same as 
though he had never existed. ’ ’ 

While he was speaking, the secretary entered the library, 
his pallor and unusual expression attracting Mr. Whitney’s 
attention. In response to a glance of inquiry from the 
latter, however, he merely said, — 

“The copy is completed. You will find it on the desk,” 
and passed from the library into the hall. 

Still wondering at his appearance, Mr. Whitney pro- 
ceeded to the tower-room, and a moment later both gen- 
tlemen were absorbed in the perusal of the duplicate of 
the lost will ; but afterwards the attorney recalled that, 
on taking the document from the desk, he had noticed that 
the large blotter covering the top had been removed and 
replaced by a new one. 

There was no perceptible change in Scott’s appearance 
during the remainder of the day, except that he seemed 
more than usually thoughtful, sometimes to the verge of 
abstraction, but, in reality, his mind was so preoccupied 

»67 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


with endless doubts and surmises regarding his recent 
discovery that he found it exceedingly difficult to con- 
centrate his attention upon the work required of him. 

That afternoon, however, while engaged in looking 
through some important documents belonging to Hugh 
Mainwaring, kept at the city offices, a cablegram was 
handed him, addressed to himself personally, from Barton 
& Barton, a well-known legal firm in London. The de- 
spatch itself caused him little surprise, as he had been in 
correspondence with this firm for more than a year ; but the 
contents of the message were altogether unexpected, and 
left him in a‘ state of bewilderment. It read, — 

‘‘Have you met J. Henry Carruthers, of London, 
supposed to have sailed ten days since, or can you give 
us his whereabouts ?’ ’ 

Fortunately, Scott was alone, Ralph Mainwaring and 
the attorney being in the private offices, and he had 
plenty of opportunity to recover from his surprise. For 
half an hour he revolved the matter in his thoughts, won- 
dering whether this had any bearing upon the question 
which for the last few hours he had been trying to solve. 
A little later he sent the following reply : 

“ Person mentioned seen on 7th instant. No trace since. 
You have my letter of 8th instant. Cable instructions.” 

As the Mainwaring carriage appeared at the offices at 
four o’clock, to convey the gentlemen to Fair Oaks, Mr. 
Whitney was surprised to find the secretary still engaged 
at his desk. 

“If you will excuse me,” the latter said, pleasantly, 
“I will not go out to Fair Oaks this evening. I have 
some unfinished work here, and I will remain in the city 
to-night. ’ ’ 

Upon entering the offices the next day, however, the 
attorney found the following note addressed to himself : 

1 68 


THE EXIT OF SCOTT THE SECRETARY 


*‘Mr. Whitney. 

** Dear Sir, — I regret to be compelled to inform you 
that you will have to look for another assistant, as im- 
portant business calls me away for an indefinite period. 
Do not give yourself any trouble concerning the salary 
which you kindly offered me. I am not in need of it, 
and have only been too glad to render you the little 
assistance within my power, knowing, as I do, that you 
have no easy case on your hands. 

‘‘Trusting we shall meet in the future, I am, with great 
esteem, 

“Very truly yours, 

“H. Scott.” 

As Mr. Whitney read and reread this note, the words 
of the detective regarding the private secretary were re- 
called to his mind, and he muttered, — 

“Yes, Merrick was right. It is very evident the young 
man is not ‘looking for a job;’ but I’ll be blessed if I 
know what to think of him ! ’ ’ 

Upon Mr. Whitney’s return to Fair Oaks, he found the 
guests assembled on the veranda, overlooking the river, 
Mr. Merrick, who had just returned from a few days’ 
absence, being also included in the company. There were 
many exclamations of surprise and considerable comment 
when Mr. W’hitney told of the sudden disappearance of 
the secretary. 

“ Now, that is too bad !” cried Edith Thornton. “ He 
was so interesting, and we were all beginning to like him 
so much. ’ ’ 

“ I don’t know that any of us were so charmed with 
him as one might be led to suppose from your remark, 
Edith,” said Isabel Mainwaring, with a disdainful glance 
towards the attorney, who had seated himself beside Miss 

169 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Carleton; ‘‘but here, almost any one will answer for a 
diversion, and he was really quite entertaining. ’ ’ 

“It is not to be expected that you would see or appre- 
ciate his good points, ’ ’ said her brother, with half a sneer ; 
“but Scott is a fine fellow and a gentleman, and I shall 
miss him awfully. ’ ’ 

Miss Carleton remained silent; but for some reason, 
unexplainable to herself, she was conscious of a vague 
sense of disappointment and injury. She would not ad- 
mit to herself that she was troubled because Scott had 
gone, it was the manner of his departure. Surely, after 
the friendship and confidence she had shown him, he 
might at least have sent some word of farewell, instead of 
leaving as he had, apparently without a thought of her. 
However, she chatted graciously with Mr. Whitney, though, 
all the while, a proud, dark face with strangely beautiful 
eyes persistently forced itself before her mental vision, 
nearly obliterating the smiling face of the attorney. 

Meanwhile, Ralph Mainwaring was giving the detective 
his views on the subject. 

“I, for one, am not sorry that he has followed the 
example of the coachman and taken himself off. It is my 
opinion,” he continued, in impressive tones, “that we 
will yet find he had reasons for leaving in this manner. ’ ’ 

“Undoubtedly !” Merrick replied, with equal emphasis. 

“Now, that’s just where you’re wrong, governor,” said 
young Mainwaring. “ Scott is as good as gold. There is 
no sneak about him, either; and if he had reasons for 
leaving as he has, they were nothing to his discredit ; you 
can stake your last shilling on that !” 

‘ ‘ Oh, I know he has pulled the wool over your eyes, ’ ’ 
said his father; “but he has never tried his smooth games 
on me ; he knows I can see through him. I detest him. 
One of your typical American swells! Just what one 
170 


THE EXIT OF SCOTT, THE SECRETARY 


would expect to find in a country where a common clerk 
is allowed to associate with gentlemen ! ’ ’ 

‘‘But, begging your pardon, Mr. Mainwaring,” the 
detective interposed, quietly, “Mr. Scott is not an Ameri- 
can. He has lived less than two years in this country. ’ ’ 

A chorus of exclamations followed this statement. 

“ Not an American ! Then he must be an Englishman, ’ ’ 
cried Miss Carleton, her sparkling eyes unconsciously be- 
traying her pleasure at the discovery. 

“Merrick, are you sure of that?” inquired Mr. Whit- 
ney, in astonishment. 

“Certainly, or I would never have made the assertion 
I did.” 

Ralph Mainwaring suddenly turned the conversation. 
“How about that will business, Mr. Whitney? When 
will that come off ?” 

“The petition was filed this afternoon, and will be 
granted a hearing some time next week; I have not yet 
learned the day. ’ ’ 

“And then will you gentlemen be ready to start for 
home?” Mrs. Mainwaring inquired, a touch of impatience 
in her voice. 

“Well, by my soul! I should say not,” laughed Mr. 
Thornton, before her husband could reply. “It will 
probably take a number of months, my dear madam, to 
settle up this estate, even if there should be no contest; 
and if the case is contested, it may drag on for years, eh, 
Mr. Whitney?” 

“That will depend upon circumstances. A contest 
would, of course, delay the case, perhaps for several 
months; but I am not aw'are of any contestants with 
sufficient means for continuing it the length of time you 
mention. ’ ’ 

“Mercy me!” exclaimed Mrs. Mainwaring, addressing 
171 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


her husband ; ‘Mo you and Hugh intend to remain here 
all that time ?’ ’ 

“Our stay will probably be somewhat indefinite, “ he 
replied, evasively ; “ but that is no reason why you and the 
young ladies need remain against your will. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Indeed ! Why could you not have said as much be- 
fore? Neither Isabel nor I care to remain here a day 
longer than is necessary; we have simply been awaiting 
your pleasure. Wilson, bring me the morning papers; I 
want to see what boats are expected. We will take the 
first steamer home. Mr. Thornton, will you and the 
young ladies accompany us, or do you prefer to remain in 
exile a while longer ?’ ’ 

“Well,” replied that gentleman, smiling genially, 
“speaking for myself, I would more than half like to 
stay and see this thing through ; but the ladies are in the 
majority, and I will abide by their decision. How is it, 
Edith ? I suppose, as the novelists say, you will be ‘ torn 
by conflicting emotions. ’ ’ ’ 

“You horrid old papa! Of course, if auntie is going 
back, I shall go with her. What do you say, Wini- 
fred?” 

“ I have very little choice, one way or the other,” Miss 
Carleton replied, more quietly than was usual for her; 
“whatever you and Uncle William decide, will suit me.” 

“Ah, here are the papers!” said Mrs. Mainwaring, 
adjusting her eye-glasses. “These dreadful American 
dailies!” she exclaimed, as she scanned the pages; “one 
never knows where to find anything. Ah, here it is, 
and just what we want! The ‘Campania’ sails Thurs- 
day, at three o’clock. That will suit us exactly.” 

“ To-morrow ! so soon !” exclaimed two or three voices. 

“Certainly,” she replied, rising. “I shall have the 
maids begin packing at once ; and, Mr. Thornton, I shall 

172 


THE EXIT OF SCOTT, THE SECRETARY 


instruct Wilson to attend directly to your luggage, for you 
would never think of it until within an hour of sailing. ’ ’ 
Her departure seemed the signal for the breaking up of 
the little company. Mr. Whitney lingered a few moments 
at Miss Carleton’s side, with a few murmured words of 
regret that she was to leave so soon, to which she listened 
courteously, though making little response. After he had 
gone she remained standing where he had left her, gazing 
dreamily out on the river and the distant bluffs. Merrick, 
slowly sauntering up and down the veranda, had observed 
the whole scene, and now watched the fair young face with 
a suggestion of a smile in his kindly eyes. 

‘‘H’m!” he soliloquized; ^‘Whitney is a bigger fool 
than I’ve given him credit for if he thinks he stands any 
show in that direction. If I’m not mistaken, I know 
which way the wind blows, and it’s dollars to doughnuts 
she’ll lose that far-away expression of hers before she’s 
been aboard the ‘ Campania’ many hours. I’d like to be 
aboard myself and watch the transformation scene.” 

The attorney’s voice here broke in upon his cogitations. 
‘‘I say, Merrick, that was a regular bomb you threw at 
Mainwaring with regard to young Scott ! How did you 
discover he was an Englishman ?’ ’ 

‘ * I very easily ascertained that he was not an American ; 
that he was of English descent followed as a matter of 
course. I am not sure whether he is of English birth. ’ ’ 
You seem to be keeping an eye on him.” 

‘‘It is my business just now to be posted regarding 
every one associated with this place. I’ve been keeping 
an eye on you for the last thirty minutes. ’ ’ 

The attorney colored, and hastily reverted to the original 
topic of conversation. * ‘ Have you seen anything of him 
since he left us ?’ ’ 

‘‘Since his resignation of the salary as well as the 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


position of private secretary ?’ ’ queried the detective, half 
to himself, with a tone of amusement, which Mr. Whitney 
failed to comprehend. ‘‘Yes; I met him to-day at the 
Murray Hill.” 

“ At the Murray Hill ! Is he stopping there ?” 

“He evidently was this morning. So was I. Possibly 
we were both ‘stopping’ on the same business; I cannot 
say.” 

The detective’s face was a study, as was also the attor- 
ney’s. 

“I supposed,” said the latter, after a short pause, 
“ from the tenor of his note, that he intended to leave the 
city at once. ’ ’ 

“Possibly he does,” replied the other, enigmatically, 
and, having consulted his watch, turned abruptly in 
another direction. 

“Say, what will you do about him? Shall you watch 
him ?’ ’ Mr. Whitney called after the vanishing figure. 

Merrick looked back over his shoulder with a peculiar 
smile. “I shall not lose track of him,” he said, slowly; 
“he is too interesting.” 


m 


CHAPTER XV 


MUTUAL SURPRISES 

The Maifiwaring party was among the latest arrivals at 
the pier on the following day, owing to the dilatoriness of 
Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Mainwaring’s efforts to the contrary 
notwithstanding. At the last moment he appeared, serenely 
and smilingly unconscious of that lady’s frowns of dis- 
pleasure, to the infinite amusement of his daughter, who 
whispered to Miss Carleton, — 

‘‘Poor papa! See how auntie glares at him, and he 
does not even know it.” 

But even Mrs. Mainwaring’s facial muscles relaxed 
slightly at the sight of the beautiful ocean greyhound lying 
in the harbor, her flags waving and streamers fluttering in 
the breeze, awaiting only the captain’s orders to start on 
her homeward course. 

The decks were crowded with humanity, for the most 
part laughing and chatting gayly and singing bits of song, 
though here and there were sad, tear-stained faces, where 
long farewells, some of them perhaps the last farewells, 
were being spoken. 

“Thank heaven, there’ll be no tears shed on this occa- 
sion !” said Isabel Mainwaring; “unless,” she added, 
with a glance of scorn towards Miss Carleton’ s escort, 
“Mr. Whitney should contribute a few. I detest such 
vulgar demonstrations in public !” 

The attorney certainly did not look very cheerful, and 
even Miss Carleton’ s sunny face was somewhat overcast, 

175 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


though why, it would seem difficult to determine, since 
she seemed to have no regrets at leaving America. 

Mercy me!” ejaculated Mrs. Mainwaring, ‘^what a 
dreadful crowd 1 It is far worse than when we came 
over. Hugh, I wonder if your father examined the ship’s 
list. I particularly requested him to do so. I wished to 
ascertain whether there would be any friends of ours on 
board. One does not care to make acquaintances promis- 
cuously, you know. ’ ’ 

don’t think the governor investigated the subject 
very thoroughly, ” young Mainwaring replied, with a laugh. 
“I noticed when we registered there were three or four 
pages of names preceding ours, and I don’t think he gave 
the matter much attention. If I had time I would look it 
it up for you, mother, but we must go ashore in a few 
moments. ’ ’ 

^‘If I am not mistaken, my dear lady,” said Mr. 
Thornton, who had overheard the conversation, ^‘you will 
have little time or inclination for looking up acquaintances 
on this trip. ’ ’ 

May I ask why?” Mrs. Mainwaring demanded. 

‘‘I think,” he replied, maliciously, ‘‘that you and 
Isabel will be too much occupied in cultivating the ac- 
quaintance of mal de mer to care for your best friends. ’ ’ 

“How’s that, Thornton? Think it will be rough?” 
inquired Ralph Mainwaring. 

“The captain tells me the wind is freshening every 
moment, and we’ll have a decidedly choppy sea before 
night. I’m thinking we’ll have a nasty trip.” 

“In that case, perhaps mamma and I will not be the 
only victims, ’ ’ said Isabel Mainwaring. 

“I fear not,” responded Mr. Thornton. “Were it not 
for my inherent chivalry, I should turn back ; but I cannot 
leave you ladies to meet your fate alone.” 

176 


MUTUAL SURPRISES 


Amid the general confusion of leave-taking, Mr. Whitney 
turned towards Miss Carleton, saying in a low tone, as he 
took her hand, — 

have received cordial invitations both from yourself 
and Mr. Thornton to visit your home, and I feel assured of 
a welcome should I accept your courtesy ; but, pardon me. 
Miss Carleton, if, after so brief an acquaintance as ours, 
I inquire whether I might ever hope for a welcome from 
you other than that of a friend ?’ ’ 

The beautiful brown eyes met his own frankly, but all 
the laughter and sunshine had gone out of them. They 
were serious and had almost a look of pain. 

‘‘I am sorry, Mr. Whitney,” she said, simply; **but it 
would be very unjust if I led you to hope that I could ever 
regard you other than as an esteemed friend.” 

'^Pardon me for troubling you,” he said, gently. 
** Believe me always your friend, and forget that I ever 
asked for more than friendship, ’ ’ and, releasing her hand, 
he passed on to the others. 

The final adieus were spoken; Ralph Mainwaring and 
his son, accompanied by the attorney, went ashore ; and 
Miss Carleton, not caring just then to meet the curious 
glances of her companions, walked slowly towards the 
forward part of the deck. She had gone but a few steps, 
however, when she caught sight of the familiar figure of 
Mr. Merrick at a little distance, in conversation with a 
tall, slender man, with dark, piercing eyes. He was 
speaking rapidly in low tones, but his usually non-com- 
mittal face wore an expression of unmistakable satisfaction. 
Suddenly he turned and walked swiftly in Miss Carleton’ s 
direction. Their eyes met, and in response to her glance 
of recognition he quickly crossed to where she was standing. 

** I have but a few seconds left. Miss Carleton,” he said, 
a genial smile lighting up his face ; ‘<but I am glad of an 

177 


13 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

opportunity to wish you a pleasant trip. Are you a good 
sailor?” 

** I hardly know,” she answered. ** I have had so little 
experience on the sea. Why? Shall we have a stormy 
passage, do you think ?’ ’ 

Nothing dangerous; a little rough, perhaps; but with 
congenial company, such as I trust you will find, ’ ’ and his 
eyes gleamed with kindly merriment, ‘^you will hardly 
mind that. Good-by, Miss Carleton ; bon voyage ; and 
if I can ever in any way serve you as a friend, do not fail 
to command me,” and before she could reply he had 
vanished in the crowd. She looked in vain for any trace 
of him; then turning to glance at his companion of a 
moment before, discovered that he had disappeared also. 

A moment later the great ocean liner glided majestically 
out from the harbor amid prolonged cheers and a final 
flutter of farewells ; but she was well out upon the tossing 
waves ere Miss Carleton turned from watching the receding 
shore to join her friends, as yet having found no solution 
of the problem perplexing her, nor even the meaning 
which she felt must be concealed in the words of the 
detective. 

They had not been out many hours before it became 
evident that Mr. Thornton’s unfavorable predictions re- 
garding their journey were likely to be fulfilled. The sea 
was decidedly ‘‘choppy” and the motion of the boat 
anything but exhilarating. 

When the hour for dinner arrived, Mr. Thornton, his 
daughter, and Miss Carleton were the only members of 
their party to venture forth to the dining-saloon, the 
others preferring to have a light repast served in their 
own apartments. The captain, having discovered in Mr. 
Thornton an old-time friend, had ordered seats for him 
and his party at his own table, and the young ladies, 
178 


MUTUAL SURPRISES 


finding their appetites rather an uncertain quantity, had 
plenty of opportunity for observing their fellow-passengers, 
particularly an Anglomaniac of the most pronounced type, 
in the person of a callow youth seated opposite them, whose 
monocle, exaggerated collar, and affected drawl afforded 
them considerable amusement. 

'Winifred,” said Miss Thornton, as they were leaving 
the dining-saloon, ‘‘ do you see that young Englishman at 
the farther table?” 

Her cousin glanced carelessly in the direction indicated, 
noting the fine, athletic figure seated, back towards them, 
at some distance, attired in heavy English tweed. 

‘‘Yes. What of him?” 

“ Nothing in particular ; only the sight of him is such a 
relief, you know, after that wretched caricature at our table. ’ ’ 

“Poor little harmless dudelet!” mused Winifred, with 
a smile; “his self-complacency will be short-lived when- 
ever he meets Isabel. She will simply annihilate him with 
one of those glances of hers ! ’ ’ 

At Miss Carleton’s suggestion, they went on deck; but 
Edith grew so rapidly ill that her cousin assisted her below 
to their own elegant suite of apartments, which adjoined, 
on one side, those occupied by Mrs. Mainwaring and her 
daughter, while on the other was a comfortable state-room 
belonging to Mrs. Hogarth. 

Finding Mrs. Mainwaring and Isabel already reduced to 
a state of abject helplessness which required the attendance 
of both maids as well as of the stewardess. Miss Carleton 
left Edith in Mrs. Hogarth’s care, and, wrapping herself 
warmly, again went on deck. The wind was increasing 
and she found the decks nearly deserted, but the solitude 
and the storm suited her mood just then, and, wrapping 
her rug closely about her, she seated herself in a com- 
paratively sheltered place, alone with her own thoughts. 

179 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


As she recalled the parting interview with Mr. Whitney, 
another face seemed to flash before her vision, and a half- 
formed query, which had been persistently haunting her for 
the last few hours, now took definite shape and demanded 
a reply. What would have been the result if that other, 
instead of leaving without one word of farewell, had asked 
for the hope of something better and deeper than friend- 
ship ? What would her answer have been ? Even in the 
friendly shadow of the deepening twilight she shrank from 
facing the truth gradually forcing itself lipon her. 

A solitary figure pacing the deck aroused her from her 
revery. As he approached she recognized the young 
Englishman of whom Edith had spoken. Dressed in 
warm jacket, with cap well pulled down over his eyes 
and hands clasped behind him, he strode the rolling deck 
with step as firm and free as though walking the streets of 
his native city. She watched him with admiration, till 
something in his carriage reminded her of the young 
secretary at Fair Oaks, and in the sudden thrill of pleasure 
produced by that reminder there was revealed to her 
inner consciousness a confirmation of the truth she sought 
to evade. 

She watched the retreating figure with flashing eyes and 
burning cheeks. ‘‘It is not true!” she exclaimed, to 
herself, passionately. “I do not care for him 1 It was 
only a fancy, a foolish infatuation, of which, thank heaven, 
neither he nor any one else shall ever know. ’ ’ 

But the monarch who had taken possession of her heart, 
call him by what name she chose, was not to be so easily 
dethroned. 

Meanwhile, the young English stranger passed and re- 
passed, unconscious of the figure in the shadow, uncon- 
scious of the aversion with which one of his countrywomen 
regarded him because of his resemblance to another. He, 

i8o 


MUTUAL SURPRISES 


too, was vainly seeking the solution of problems which 
baffled him at every turn, and waging an ineffectual war- 
fare against the invisible but potent sovereign — Love. 

All that night the storm raged with increasing fury, and 
morning found the entire Mainwaring party **on the 
retired list,” as Miss Carleton expressed it. She herself 
was the last to succumb, but finally forced to an ignomini- 
ous surrender, she submitted to the inevitable with as good 
grace as possible, only stipulating that she be left entirely 
to herself. 

Towards night the storm abated slightly, and, weary 
of her own thoughts, which had been anything but agree- 
able, and bored by the society of her companions in 
misery, she wrapped her rug warmly about her and ven- 
tured out on deck. The air, laden with salt spray, seemed 
invigorating, and without much difficulty she found her 
way to her sheltered corner of the preceding evening. 
She had been seated but a few moments, however, when 
the young Englishman made his appearance, as preoccupied 
and unconscious of his surroundings and as free from any 
symptoms of discomfort as when she had last seen him. 
The sight of him was the signal for the return of the 
thoughts which had that day kept her company. She 
cast a wrathful glance upon the unconscious young stranger 
just then passing, his perfect health and evident good 
humor under existing circumstances adding to her sense of 
injury and exasperation. She grew ill, and determined to 
return at once to her apartments, but found her progress 
against the gale slower and more difficult than she had 
anticipated. Dizzy and faint, she had just reached the 
stairs when a sudden lurch threw her violently to one side ; 
she staggered helplessly and would have fallen, but at that 
instant a strong arm was thrown about her and she felt 
herself lifted bodily. With a sigh of relief she turned 

i8i. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


her head towards her rescuer, supposing him one of the 
officers of the ship, only to discover, to her horror, that 
she was in the arms of the young Englishman. His face 
was in the shadow, but the light falling on her own face 
revealed her features, and at that instant she heard a 
smothered exclamation, — 

Great heavens ! can it be possible?” 

Something in the tone startled her and she listened, 
hoping he would speak again. He did not ; but she noted 
the tenderness with which she was borne down the stairs 
and put in care of the stewardess. Again she listened 
eagerly for his voice, but his words were brief and in an 
altered tone. 

During the succeeding twenty-four hours in which Miss 
Carleton tossed in misery, one thought was uppermost in 
her mind, — to discover, if possible, the identity of the 
stranger who had come to her assistance. The only in- 
formation obtainable, however, was that he was evidently 
a gentleman of wealth, travelling alone, and apparently 
with no acquaintance on board with the exception of a 
young English officer. She determined, at the earliest 
possible moment, to meet her mysterious rescuer and thank 
him for his kindness, but was unable to carry her plan into 
immediate execution. Meantime, she learned that he had 
twice inquired for her. 

On Sunday afternoon, their fourth day out, the storm 
had ceased and the weather was gradually clearing, and 
Miss Carleton, somewhat pale but quite herself again, 
came out for a promenade. She found quite a number of 
passengers on deck, but for some time she looked in vain 
for her unknown friend. At last, after several brisk turns, 
she saw him standing at a little distance, talking with the 
tall, dark-eyed man whom she had seen iii conversation 
with Mr. Merrick. The younger man’s cap was thrown 

182 


MUTUAL SURPRISES 


back, revealing to Miss Carleton the fine profile, almost 
classical in its beauty, of the secretary at Fair Oaks. For 
a moment her pulse throbbed wildly. She felt a thrill of 
pleasure, not unmingled with a twinge of the resentment 
which she had been nursing for the last few days. Then 
she walked calmly in his direction, saying to herself, — 

‘‘At least, I will thank him for his kindness. I am 
no love-lorn peasant maid wearing my heart upon my 
sleeve ! ’ ’ 

She had nearly reached his side, though he was unaware 
of her presence, when the young English officer approached 
from the other side and, slapping him familiarly upon the 
shoulder, exclaimed, — 

“Well, Mainwaring, my boy, you’ve kept your sea-legs 
well on this trip.” 

The tall, dark-eyed man withdrew, and Miss Carleton, 
utterly bewildered, turned and slowly retraced her steps. 
Mainwaring ! What did it mean ? She heard the name 
distinctly, and he had taken it as a matter of course, 
replying pleasantly and quietly, as though he had known 
no other name. The mystery which she had thought to 
solve had only deepened tenfold. She was aroused by 
the cheery voice of the captain. 

“Well, well. Miss Carleton, glad to see you out! I 
congratulate you on your speedy recovery. How are the 
ladies ? and how is my old friend Thornton ?’ ’ 

They took a few turns up and down, chatting pleasantly, 
till Miss Carleton, looking into the face overflowing with 
kindliness and good humor, said, — 

“Captain, I have a great favor to ask of you.” 

“Granted, my dear young lady, to the half of my 
kingdom !” 

“May I have your permission to examine the list of 
cabin passengers ?’ ’ 

183 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


The captain elevated his shaggy eyebrows and his eyes 
twinkled with merriment. ** Ah ! anxious to learn if some 
particular friend is on board, I suppose. Some one was 
inquiring of me the other night regarding your identity. ’ ’ 

“Indeed!” said Miss Carleton, a world of inquiry in 
her eyes. 

“Yes; Mr. Mainwaring, the gentleman conversing with 
Lieutenant Cohen over there. He and I both went to 
your assistance the other evening, but, much to my regret, 
he was quicker than I. He remarked to me after he came 
back on deck that he had supposed you were a stranger, 
but that your face looked familiar. He asked your name, 
and whether you were with Mr. Thornton and his daughter, 
stating that he had met you. Correct, I presume ?’ ’ 

“Quite so,” said Miss Carleton, quietly. 

“And now about that passenger list. Miss Carleton; 
you have my permission to examine it, and I will accom- 
pany you myself. ’ ’ 

She thanked him. ^ ‘ Are you acquainted with Mr. 
Mainwaring?” she inquired, carelessly. 

“Never met him until this trip. On first learning his 
name, I supposed him to be a member of your party, as he 
is evidently a gentleman ; but I soon learned that he was 
alone.” 

A few moments later the register was opened for Miss 
Carleton’ s inspection, but she did not have to search long. 
Half-way down the first page she found, in the familiar 
writing of the secretary, the name which she sought — 
“ Harold Scott Mainwaring.” 


184 


CHAPTER XVI 


MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS 

Thanking the captain for his courtesy, Miss Carleton 
returned to her accustomed seat on deck, and, since one 
is never more alone than when surrounded by a crowd 
of utter strangers, she felt at liberty to pursue her own 
thoughts without interruption. 

She could scarcely credit what her own ears had heard 
or her eyes had seen. Harold Scott Mainwaring ! What 
could it mean? Could it be possible that the secretary, 
having familiarized himself with the family history of the 
Mainwarings, was now masquerading under an assumed 
name for some object of his own ? But she dismissed this 
idea at once. She had assured him at Fair Oaks that she 
believed him incapable of anything false or dishonorable, 
and she would abide by that belief until convinced other- 
wise. But if this were indeed his name, what had been 
his object in assuming the role of Scott, the secretary? 
Which was genuine and which assumed ? Who could tell ? 

As if in answer to her thoughts, she saw the subject of 
them approaching. He was alone and looking in her 
direction, and on reading the recognition in her glance, 
his own face lighted with a smile that banished the last 
shade of resentment and suspicion from her mind, albeit 
there was a question in her eyes which prepared him in a 
measure for her first words. With a smile as bright as 
those with which she had been accustomed to greet him at 
Fair Oaks, she extended her hand, saying, slowly, — 

Mr. Mainwaring, this is indeed a surprise !” 

185 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


She watched him closely, but there was not the quiver 
of an eyelash, only a slow, inscrutable smile, as he 
replied, — 

‘‘Miss Carleton, I will add to that, and say that this is ^ 
the pleasantest surprise of my life.” 

She blushed at the implied meaning of his words, and 
he added, — 

“ I have not seen you on deck until to-day.” 

“Not last Friday evening?” she inquired, archly. 

His smile deepened. “ I did not know that it was you 
at that time until after I had started below. Did you 
recognize me ?’ ’ 

“I thought I recognized your voice; and I have often 
wished to thank you for your kindness, but this is my first 
opportunity, as I have not been out since until to-day. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Please do not mention it. Had I dreamed who it was 
thus braving the storm, I would have offered my assistance 
earlier. I have not yet recovered from my surprise on 
discovering the identity of my fellow-passenger that even- 
ing.” 

“ Indeed !” laughed Miss Carleton ; “my presence here 
is very easily explained. It is simply the result of one of 
Mrs. Mainwaring’s numerous whims, as she suddenly de- 
cided upon an immediate return to England. I think, 
however, that the surprise was mutual.” 

“Accordingly, I suppose that mutual explanations should 
follow,” he answered, lightly. Then added, more seri- 
ously, “Miss Carleton, I am aware that there is much in 
my conduct that must seem inexplicable to you. In a few 
weeks everything will have been made clear, in the natural 
course of events ; but, if you would be at all interested to 
hear, I would greatly prefer that you should have a perfect 
understanding of the situation before the facts become 
generally known. ’ ’ 


i86 


MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS 


** I should greatly appreciate such a mark of confidence,” 
she replied. 

* ‘ If agreeable to you, Miss Carleton, let us pass around 
to the other side ; it is less crowded there. My friend and 
I have two chairs, and, as he has gone to his state-room to 
do some writing, we shall be in no danger of interruption. ’ ’ 
When comfortably seated, the young man said, ‘‘It is a 
strange story which I have to tell, but I will try not to tax 
your patience too severely. One week ago this afternoon. 
Miss Carleton, in passing through the hall at Fair Oaks, I 
accidentally overheard a portion of your conversation with 
Mr. Whitney, as you related to him the story of the unfor- 
tunate love and death of my father, Harold Scott Main- 
waring. ’ ’ 

Miss Carleton started violently, but said nothing, and, 
after a slight pause, the speaker continued, — 

“My earliest recollections are of a home in Australia, 
with foster-parents, whose name it is unnecessary to men- 
tion, but whose care and love for me seem, as I now look 
back, to have equalled that bestowed by natural parents 
upon their own child. Not until I had reached the age of 
fifteen years did I ever hear of my own father. I then 
learned that he had given me, at birth, into the keeping 
of my foster-parents, with instructions that, unless he him- 
self should call for me, I was not even to know of his 
existence until within five or six years of my majority. I 
learned, further, that his action in thus placing me in the 
hands of others had been solely on account of deep trouble 
and sorrow, of which he wished me to know nothing until 
I had reached the years of manhood. When giving me 
into their keeping he had also given them a small packet, 
containing a sealed letter, which was to be read by me on 
my twenty-first birthday, if he had not himself claimed me 
before that time. I was told that, while I was too young 

187 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


to retain any remembrance of him, he frequently visited 
me and manifested the greatest devotion to his child, but 
as I grew older he remained away, writing occasionally to 
my foster-father. 

** In the last letter received from him, when I was about 
five years of age, he stated that he was going to Africa to 
make a fortune for his son. Nothing further was heard 
from him until there came tidings of his death at sea, in 
the manner which you recently related. 

‘‘Of all this I, of course, knew nothing until ten years 
later, but what was told me at that time made a deep 
impression upon me. Of my mother I could learn abso- 
lutely nothing; but for my father, of whom I had no 
personal knowledge, and concerning whom there seemed so 
much that was mysterious, I felt a love and reverence 
almost akin to adoration, and I longed for the day to come 
when I could read the letter he had left for me and learn 
the whole secret of that sad life. 

“My twenty-first birthday arrived, and the mysterious 
little packet was placed in my hands. It contained a few 
valuable keepsakes and my father’s letter, written out of 
the bitter anguish of a broken heart. He told the story 
of his disinheritance, with which you are familiar ; but the 
loss of the property he cared little for in comparison with 
the loss of his father’s love; but even that was as nothing 
to the sorrow which followed swiftly and which broke his 
heart. He stated that, because of this great sorrow, he 
had placed me in the hands of trusted friends that I should 
be banished from the false-hearted woman who had borne 
me and who believed me dead, as it was his wish that neither 
of us should ever know of the existence of the other. ’ ’ 

Harold Mainwaring paused for a moment, and Miss 
Carleton, who had been listening with great interest, 
exclaimed, — 


i88 


MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS 


**And is it possible, Mr. Mainwaring, that, in all these 
years, you have had no knowledge concerning your mother ?’ ’ 

“It is a fact. Miss Carleton, that I do not even know 
her name, or whether or not she is living. I only hope 
and pray that I may never knowingly meet her, for her 
heart and life must be — pardon the expression — as false 
and as black as hell itself. ^ ’ 

There was a look on his face which Miss Carieton had 
never seen. Gradually, however, his features softened, 
and he continued, — 

“In accordance with my father’s wish, expressed in the 
letter, that I should complete my studies in England, I 
sailed for that country within a few weeks of my twenty- 
first birthday ; and while there I learned that part of my 
story which is of more especial interest to all parties con- 
cerned at the present time. 

“ I had been but a few months in England when I felt a 
great desire to visit, incognito, the old Mainwaring estate. 
Accordingly, under the name by which you have known 
me, I arrived at the estate, only to learn that the home of 
my father’s boyhood, and of the Mainwarings for several 
generations, had passed into the hands of strangers. My 
grandfather had died within two years of my father’s 
marriage, and the younger son had sold the estate and 
gone to America. Incidentally, I was directed to an old 
servant of my grandfather’s, who yet remained on the 
place and who could give me its whole history. That 
servant. Miss Carleton, was old James Wilson, the father 
of John Wilson, Ralph Mainwaring’s present valet.’’ 

“Ah !’’ ejaculated Miss Carleton, her face lighting with 
pleasure; “I have seen the trusty old fellow hundreds of 
times, you know. Indeed, he could give you the history 
of all the Mainwarings for the last three hundred years. ’ ’ 

“He gave me one very important bit of history,’’ 
189 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Harold Mainwaring replied, with a smile. ‘‘He told me 
that old Ralph Mainwaring, after the departure of his son 
for Australia, failed rapidly. He was slowly but surely 
dying of a broken heart, and, though he never mentioned 
the name of his elder son, it was evident that he regretted 
his own harshness and severity towards him. 

“ On the night before his death he suddenly gave orders 
for an attorney to be summoned, and was so insistent in his 
demand, that, when it was ascertained that his old solicitor, 
Alfred Barton, the father of the present firm of Barton & Bar- 
ton, had been called out of the city, a young lawyer, Richard 
Hobson by name, who had formerly been an articled clerk 
in Barton’s office, was called in in his stead. A little be- 
fore the hour of midnight, in the presence of his son, Hugh 
Mainwaring, Richard Hobson, the attorney, and Alexander 
McPherson, an old and trusted Scotch friend, Ralph Main- 
waring caused to be drawn and executed a will, completely 
revoking and setting aside the process of law by which 
Harold Scott Mainwaring had been disinherited, and 
restoring to him his full rights as the elder son, McPherson 
and the attorney signing the will as witnesses. ’ ’ 

Miss Carleton’s eyes dilated and her breath came and 
went swiftly, but she spoke no word save a single, quick 
exclamation. 

“James Wilson, the servant, was also present, but in an 
obscure corner, and his presence seems to have been unno- 
ticed. The next morning, at five o’clock, Ralph Main- 
waring passed away, happy in the thought that he had at 
last made reparation for his injustice to his elder son. 
Within two months the old Scotchman died, and Richard 
Hobson was then the sole surviving witness of the last will 
and testament of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring. 

“This was all the direct information I could obtain from 
Wilson, but from other sources I learned that Hugh Maim 
190 


MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS 

waring was never the same after his father’s death. He 
grew stern and taciturn, and would allow no mention of 
his brother’s name, and within two years he had disposed 
of the estate and left England forever'; while a few years 
later tidings were received of the death of Harold Scott 
Mainwaring at sea. I also learned that about this time 
Richard Hobson suddenly rose from the position of a 
penniless pettifogger to that of an affluent attorney, though 
he was engaged in questionable speculations far more than 
in the practice of law. 

I visited the chambers of Barton & Barton, and learned 
through them that everything had been adjusted in accord- 
ance with the terms of the will in their possession, which 
disinherited the elder son; but Hugh Mainwaring’ s action 
in disposing of the estate had excited considerable comment. 

** Having pledged them to secrecy, I disclosed my iden- 
tity and related to them the story of the old servant. . To 
my surprise, they were inclined to give the story credence ; 
and, acting upon their advice, I obtained all possible 
information regarding Hugh Mainwaring, and, when my 
studies were completed, sailed for America, with the ex- 
press determination to secure proof in verification of the 
facts which I had already gathered, and to establish my 
claim as the legal heir of the Mainwaring estate. I was 
not without means to do this, as my father had accumulated 
considerable property during the few years he lived in 
Australia, and my foster-parents are people of wealth. 

^^You will understand now. Miss Carleton, why I took 
the position of private secretary to Hugh Mainwaring. 
You will realize how eagerly I studied the correspondence 
between him and Richard Hobson, from which I learned 
that the latter was extorting large sums of money as the 
price of his silence regarding some fraudulent transaction, 
presumably the destruction of the will; and perhaps you 

191 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


can imagine my feelings on discovering, one day, among 
Hugh Mainwaring’s private papers, a memorandum to the 
effect that the will had never been destroyed, but was still 
in existence and in his possession. I knew that to make 
any demand upon him for the document would be worse 
than useless, as he would never admit my claim. I must 
find it for myself. I searched for that will as for hidden 
treasure, and. Miss Carleton, I found it ! ” 

‘‘Oh!” she exclaimed, unable to repress her emotion, 
“ I am so glad ! Do tell me how and when !” 

“ I found it on the last day of Hugh Mainwaring’s life, 
within two hours after he had signed his own last will and 
testament.” 

“ What a strange coincidence 1” 

“ It was strange ; and it was my discovery on that day 
which formed the subject of my thoughts on the following 
night, the night of the murder, and which kept me pacing 
my room until three o’clock in the morning.” 

“Did Mr. Mainwaring know of your discovery?” 

“No; I had no opportunity to see him that evening 
until too late, even if I had chosen to broach the subject 
to him at that time. ’ ’ 

“Might he not have discovered in some way that you 
had found the will?” 

“ I think not. Why do you inquire?” 

“ It only occurred to me if it might not be possible that 
he had reason to think his secret had at last been dis- 
covered, and, rather than face the consequences, com- 
mitted suicide; but it seems improbable. But to think 
that you are the son of the one whom I have always 
considered the noblest of all the Mainwarings, and that 
you, and not Hugh, are the rightful heir to the old Main- 
waring estate 1 I am more than glad, and Hugh will be 
glad also. He will not begrudge you one shilling or have 

192 


MUTUAL EXTLAJNAllUJNb' 


one unkind thought towards you, though I cannot say the 
same for his father. ’ ’ 

** Hugh is a noble-hearted fellow," said Harold, warmly. 
‘^He has promised me his friendship, and I believe he 
will stand by it." 

He spoke briefly of his plans ; of his business in London 
for a few days ; and, when the will should have been pro- 
bated in the English court, of his return to America to 
establish his claim there. 

‘‘Mr. Mainwaring," said Miss Carleton, after a pause, 
“ I am inexpressibly glad to learn what you have told me, 
and you have my sincerest wishes for your immediate 
success. I appreciate, more than I can tell, your confi- 
dence in permitting me to be the first to know of your 
good fortune. May I be the first to congratulate you?" 

He took the proffered hand; but, looking into the 
beautiful eyes sparkling with happiness, his own face grew 
serious, as he replied, — 

“ I thank you for your congratulations and your good 
wishes. Miss Carleton, but I sometimes question whether 
my discovery, on that particular day, of the will — the last 
link in the chain of evidence against Hugh Mainwaring — 
was a matter for congratulation." 

“ How is that?" she inquired, quickly. 

“ Do you not see that when all these facts become known, 
they may be used by my enemies to direct suspicion against 
me as the possible murderer of Hugh Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

“Who would think of such a thing?" she exclaimed, 
indignantly. 

“ Ralph Mainwaring will," was his prompt reply. 

“ He might try to incite the suspicions of others against 
you, but he would know in his own heart that his insinua- 
tions were unfounded. ’ ’ 

“I have no fear of him," said Harold, with a smile; 

>3 193 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


only mentioned it to show that I do not anticipate 
upon my return to America that my pathway will be strewn 
with roses.” 

He paused a moment, then added, I had this in mind, 
Miss Carleton, when I asked you once whether your con- 
fidence in me were strong enough to stand a heavy strain, 
if necessary.” 

She blushed slightly at the reminder, and a look of quick 
comprehension flashed across her face, as, for an instant, 
she dropped her eyes before his earnest gaze. When she 
again looked up the luminous eyes met his own unwaver- 
ingly, as she replied, in firm, low tones, — 

** I will believe in you and trust you to the fullest extent, 
whatever happens. ’ ’ 

thank you more than I can express,” he answered, 
gravely ; * ‘ for, believe me. Miss Carleton, I value your 
confidence and friendship far above any and every other. ’ * 
did not suppose you needed any assurance of my 
friendship ; though, after your sudden departure from Fair 
Oaks, I felt somewhat doubtful whether you cared for it.” 

He did not reply at once, and when he did, it was 
evident he was repressing some strong emotion. ‘ ‘ I feel 
that there is an explanation due you for my manner of 
leaving Fair Oaks. I am aware that it had the appearance 
of rudeness, but I can only say that it was from necessity 
and not from choice. There is something more which I 
hope some day to tell you. Miss Carleton, but, until I can 
speak as I wish to speak, it is best to remain silent ; mean- 
while, I will trust to your friendship to pardon whatever in 
my conduct may seem abrupt or inexplicable. ’ ’ 

The conversation was terminated at this point by the 
appearance of Lieutenant Cohen, whom Harold Mainwaring 
introduced as an old classmate, and presently all three 
adjourned to the dining-saloon. 

194 


MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS 


To Harold Mainwaring and Miss Carleton the remainder 
of the voyage passed swiftly and pleasantly, and the friend- 
ship begun at Fair Oaks deepened with each succeeding 
day. Though no word of love passed between them, and 
though Miss Carleton sometimes detected on the part of 
her companion a studied avoidance of personal subjects, 
yet, while wondering slightly at his self-imposed silence, 
she often read in his dark eyes a language more eloquent 
than words, and was content to wait. 

It was his desire that the other members of her party 
should still remain in ignorance of his real identity ; and, 
as the greater part of the voyage proved somewhat rough, 
he had little difficulty in preserving his secret. Mr. Thorn- 
ton and daughter soon made their appearance and greeted 
the quondam secretary with unaffected cordiality, but Mr. 
Thornton was too deeply engrossed in renewing acquaint- 
ance with one or two old friends to pay much attention 
to the younger man, while Edith felt in duty bound to 
devote herself to the entertainment of Mrs. Mainwaring 
and Isabel, a task which Miss Carleton was not at all disposed 
to share. Not until the last few hours of the trip, when 
fair weather had become an established fact and land had 
been sighted, did Mrs. Mainwaring and her daughter appear 
on deck, and in the general excitement Harold Mainwaring 
escaped their observation. 

The parting between himself and Miss Carleton was 
necessarily brief. She gave him her address, saying, — 

“I would be delighted if you could consider yourself 
our guest while in London, and I hope at least that I may 
see you often before your return. ’ ’ 

I thank you. Miss Carleton,” he replied. If present 
circumstances would admit of it, nothing would give me 
greater pleasure than to accept your invitation, but under 
existing conditions it is, of course, impracticable. I can- 

195 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


not now say how long I will remain in London, but I wish 
to make my stay as brief as possible, and to that end shall 
devote almost my entire time to business ; but, ’ ’ he added, 
with a peculiar smile, ‘ ^ I shall not repeat the offence 
committed at Fair Oaks. You may rest assured I shall not 
return to America without seeing you, and I hope at that 
time to be able to speak more definitely regarding my 
future.” 

There was that in his eyes as he spoke that suffused the 
fair English face with lovely color and caused a tender, 
wistful smile to linger about the sweet mouth long after he 
had left her side. 

He was one of the first to land, and Miss Carleton, 
watching from the deck, saw, almost as soon as he had 
reached the pier, a fine-looking gentleman in the prime of 
life step quickly out from the crowd, and, grasping him 
cordially by the hand, enter at once into earnest conversa* 
tion. Harold Mainwaring turned towards the steamer for 
a parting salute, and, as both gentlemen raised their hats, 
she recognized in the new-comer, Alfred Barton, the junior 
member of the firm of Barton & Barton. She watched 
them until they disappeared in the crowd, then, turning to 
rejoin her companions, she noted, standing at a little dis- 
tance, the slender, dark-eyed individual whom she had 
observed on previous occasions, also watching the scene 
with a smile of quiet satisfaction, much like that which 
Mr. Merrick’s face had worn at the beginning of the 
voyage. 


196 


CHAPTER XVII 


LOVE FINDS A WAY 

Less than three weeks later, Harold Mainwaring entered 
Miss Carleton’s private drawing-room in Mr. Thornton’s 
London home. Soon after her arrival in the city she had 
received from him a brief note of apology, stating that 
unexpected business of the greatest importance would ren- 
der it impossible for him to call as early as he had antici- 
pated ; hence this was their first meeting since the leave- 
taking on board the Campania.” 

As Miss Carleton stepped forward with cordial smile and 
hand extended to welcome her visitor, she was shocked at 
the change in his appearance. He was pale, almost hag- 
gard, and deep lines about the mouth and eyes told of 
some intense mental strain. She gave a low cry of aston- 
ishment, for it seemed as though years, instead of only a 
few weeks, had intervened since she had seen that face. 

‘‘Mr. Mainwaring, you have been ill !” she exclaimed. 

“No, Miss Carleton,” he replied, his face lighting with 
a rare smile; “I have been perfectly well, but loss of 
sleep and constant care and anxiety have told rather 
severely on me. Nothing more serious, I assure you.” 

“Anxiety!” she repeated, at the same time motioning 
him to a seat by her side. “ Surely you do not anticipate 
any difficulty in establishing your claim ?’ ’ 

“No difficulty so far as its validity is concerned. My 
attorneys assure me there can be no question as to that 
with such irrefutable proofs in my possession, but some 
unlooked-for complications have arisen, and we have had 

197 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


tr prepare ourselves to meet them. But I did not call to 
burden you with my perplexities, Miss Carleton. Tell me 
of yourself. I trust you have been well since I last saw 
you. ’ ’ 

‘‘Yes, I am usually well,” said Miss Carleton, who 
thought she detected on the part of her visitor an avoid- 
ance of any details concerning himself; “but I have been 
rather bored of late.” Then, in answer to his look of 
inquiry, she continued, “Of course, on account of Hugh 
Mainwaring’s death, we have been living very quietly since 
our return, but, notwithstanding that fact, society has been 
paying due homage to the prospective increase of fortune 
and added social position of the Mainwarings. I am not 
particularly fond of society in the ordinary sense of the 
word, you know, and I have found it exceedingly tiresome. ’ ’ 

“ From reports, I should judge ‘ society’ to be very fond 
of yourself, ’ ’ he remarked, with a smile. 

“After its own fashion,” she replied, smiling in return; 
“but it becomes very monotonous. It is the same old 
round, you know, only that just now it bows a little lower 
than formerly, while it mingles condolences and congratu- 
lations in the most absurd manner. One hears, ‘ Such a 
dreadful affair ! so shocking, don’t you know!’ and ‘Such 
delightful fortune ! I quite envy you, my dear!’ all in the 
same breath. 1 am only awaiting what society will say 
when the real facts become known.” 

Harold Mainwaring made no reply, but a strange pallor 
overspread his already pale face, at which Miss Carleton 
wondered. 

“I have thought very often of you during these past 
weeks,” she continued, “and felt quite impatient to learn 
how you were progressing, and your note was so brief, you 
know. It left so much unsaid. I fear you forget how 
interested I am in all that concerns yourself.” 

198 


LOVE FINDS A WAY 


''No,” he replied, slowly, "I do not forget; and I 
appreciate your interest in me even though I may not seem 
to, — even though I am forced, as you say, to leave so much 
unsaid which I had hoped to say. ’ ’ 

Something in his manner, more than in what he said, 
thrilled her with a vague, undefinable sense of impending 
evil, and, during the slight pause which followed, she 
dreaded his next words, lest they should in some way 
confirm her apprehensions. He said nothing further, how- 
ever, and when she spoke it was with an assumed lightness 
and cheerfulness which she was far from feeling. 

" I hoped to have the pleasure of meeting you often ere 
this, and my uncle and cousin would have been so glad to 
welcome you to their home during your stay in London, 
but they have just gone out of town for a few days. ’ ’ 

"Ordinarily, Miss Carleton,” he replied, quietly, "I 
should be pleased to meet them, but on the present occa- 
sion, as I sail to-morrow, I naturally care to see no one 
but yourself.” 

"To-morrow!” she exclaimed, while her own cheek 
suddenly paled. ' ' Do you return so soon ?’ ’ 

"Yes,” he replied, observing her emotion, and speaking 
rapidly to conceal his own feelings; "my business is at 
last completed. I have been detained longer than I ex- 
pected, and I found the situation more complex than I 
anticipated, but I shall return well equipped for the battle. ’ ’ 
"And you will win, I am sure. Tell me something 
regarding your plans, ’ ’ she added, with a wistful smile that 
touched her companion far more than he cared to betray. 

" Mr. Alfred Barton goes with me to America,” he said, 
speaking cheerfully; "and we have already cabled in- 
structions to Mr. Sutherland, my New York attorney, 
regarding the initiatory steps. Mr. Barton and myself 
will be accompanied by James Wilson, the old servant who 

199 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


witnessed the execution of the will,” — Miss Carleton’s eyes 
brightened, — ‘‘and also by a thoroughly competent, first- 
class Scotland Yard officer. ’ ’ 

She gave a low exclamation. “I see what a powerful 
witness old Wilson will make ; but the detective, what will 
you do with him ?’ ’ 

“We are going to investigate the murder of Hugh 
Mainwaring,” he said, calmly. 

“Why, surely, you cannot mean ” she hesitated. 

“You do not think that suspicion will be directed against 
any of the guests at Fair Oaks, do you ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ My dear Miss Carleton, I cannot say at present. Per- 
haps,” he added, slowly, looking steadily into her eyes, 
“perhaps, when all is over, suspicion will be directed 
against myself so unmistakably that public opinion will 
pronounce me guilty. ’ ’ 

“I cannot believe that,” she cried; “and even were 
it so, — should the whole world pronounce you guilty, — I 
would still believe you innocent ; and I think, ’ ’ she added, 
quickly, ‘ ‘ that is your object in employing a detective : by 
finding the real murderer, you will establish your own 
entire innocence.” 

“May God grant it!” he replied, with a fervor she 
could not understand. “ I thank you. Miss Carleton, for 
your kind words ; I shall never forget them ; and, however 
the battle goes, I can feel there is one, at least, whose 
friendship and confidence are mine, can I not ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Most assuredly, Mr. Mainwaring. But why do you 
speak as though there were a possibility of defeat or 
failure? I am so confident that you will win, after the 
story of your life that you have given me, that I am all 
impatience to learn the outcome of the contest, just as 
having read one chapter in some thrilling romance I am 
eager for the next.” 


200 


LOVE FINDS A WAY 


He smiled at her comparison. ‘^Real life, as well as 
romance, sometimes contains startling surprises. Miss Carle- 
ton. The next chapter might prove less pleasant. ’ ’ 

She looked keenly into his face for a moment, and her 
manner became as serious as his own. 

There must be something,” she said, ^‘of which you 
have not told me ; if so, I will not ask your confidence 
until you choose to bestow it, nor do I trust you, person- 
ally, any the less. It only seemed to me, with your pros- 
pects of success, and the great wealth and enviable position 
so soon to become yours, there could be no unpleasant 
anticipations for the future.” 

A bitter smile crossed his face, as he inquired in low, 
tense tones, Of what avail are wealth and position to one 
who finds an insurmountable barrier placed between him- 
self and all that he holds most precious on earth ?’ ’ 

I fear I do not understand you,” she replied. ** I can- 
not imagine any barriers surrounding you ; and did they 
exist, my judgment of you would be that you would find 
some way to surmount or destroy them. ’ ’ 

There are some barriers, some fetters,” he said, gently, 
against which humanity, even at its best, is powerless.” 
Yes,” she answered, a touch of sadness in her voice; 
^'and there are sometimes sorrows and troubles in which 
even the closest and warmest friendship is powerless to aid 
or comfort. ’ ’ 

Don’t allow yourself to think that of your friendship 
for me,” he said, quickly. Assured of your confidence 
and sympathy, I shall be ten times stronger to face what- 
ever the future may bring. If I succeed in what I am 
about to undertake, I shall one day tell you all that your 
friendship has been worth to me. If I fail, the thought that 
you believe in me and trust me, while it will not be all 
that I could wish, may be all that I can ask. ’ ’ 

201 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘‘And if you should fail,” she queried, slowly, “would 
you give me no opportunity to show you, and others, my 
confidence in you, even then?” 

‘ ‘ My dear Miss Carleton, ’ ’ he replied, in tones tremu- 
lous with suppressed feeling, ‘ ‘ much as I appreciate your 
kindness, I would never, now or at any future time, will- 
ingly mar your life or your happiness by asking you to 
share any burden which might be laid upon me. I would 
at least leave you to go your way in peace, while I went 
mine. ’ ’ 

“And I?” she asked, reproachfully. “Would it con- 
tribute to my happiness, do you think, to remember the 
sorrow and suffering which I was not allowed to share ?’ ’ 

“ Could you not forget?” 

“Never!” 

The young man sprang to his feet abruptly, his face 
working with emotion, and took two or three turns about 
the room. At last he paused, directly in front of her, and, 
folding his arms, stood looking down into the beautiful eyes 
that met his own so unflinchingly. He was outwardly calm, 
but the smouldering fire which seemed to gleam in his dark 
eyes told of intense mental excitement. 

“Miss Carleton,” he said, slowly, in low tones, but yet 
which vibrated through her whole being, “ you are almost 
cruel in your kindness ; you will yet make a coward of me 1” 

‘ ‘ I have no fear of that, ’ ’ she answered, quietly. 

“Yes, a coward ! Instead of remaining silent as I in- 
tended, and keeping my trouble within my own breast, you 
will compel me in self-defence to say that which will only 
give you pain to hear, thereby adding to my own suffering. ’ ’ 

“ Perhaps you misjudge,” she replied, and her voice had 
a ring of pathos in it; “any word of explanation — no 
matter what — would be less hard for me to endure than 
this suspense. ’ ’ 


202 


LOVE FINDS A WAY 


** God knows I would make full explanation if I could, 
but I cannot, and I fear there is nothing I can say that will 
not add to your suspense. Miss Carleton, you must need 
no words from me to tell you that I love you. I have 
loved you almost from the first day of our meeting, and 
whatever life may have in store for me, you, and you alone, 
will have my love. But, loving you as I do, could I have 
looked forward to the present time, could I for one moment 
have foreseen what was awaiting me, believe me, you should 
never have known by word or look, or any other sign, of 
my love.” 

He paused a moment, then continued. ‘^If that were 
all, I might have borne it ; I could have locked my love 
forever within my own heart, and suffered in silence ; but 
the fact that you have given me some reason to believe that 
you were not wholly indifferent to me, — the thought that I 
might in time have won your love, — makes the possibilities 
of the future a thousand times harder to bear. It is harder 
to forego the joys of Paradise when once you have had a 
glimpse within ! It was to this I alluded when I spoke 
of the insurmountable barrier placed between myself and 
all that I hold holiest and best on earth ! ’ ’ 

** But I do not understand !” she cried, her lovely color 
deepening and her eyes glowing with a new light, until 
Harold Mainwaring confessed to himself that never had he 
seen her so beautiful. ‘‘What barrier could ever exist 
between you and me ?’ ’ 

For an instant he looked at her in silence, an agony of 
love and longing in his eyes ; then drawing himself up to 
his full height, he said, slowly, — 

‘ ‘ Not until I can stand before you free and clear from 
the faintest shadow of the murder of Hugh Mainwaring, 
will I ever ask for that most precious gift of your 
love!” 


203 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Her face blanched at the mere possibility suggested by 
his words. ‘‘But you are innocent!” she cried in swift 
protest, “and you could prove it, even were suspicion 
directed against you for a time. ’ ’ 

“Even admitting that I were, the taint of suspicion is 
sometimes as lasting as the stain of crime itself ’ ’ 

She arose and stood proudly facing him. “ Do you 
think I would fear suspicion ? To hear from your own lips 
that you love me and that you are innocent would be 
enough for me ; I would defy the whole world ! ’ ’ 

He did not at once reply, and when he spoke it was 
slowly and reluctantly, as though each word were wrung 
from him by torture. 

“ My dear Miss Carleton, even to you I cannot say that 
I am innocent.” 

There was a moment’s pause, during which she gazed at 
him, speechless with astonishment; a moment of intense 
agony to Harold Mainwaring, as he watched whether her 
faith in him would waver. But she gave no sign, though 
she scanned his face, as the condemned criminal scans the 
document handed him as the fateful day approaches, to 
ascertain whether it contains his pardon or his death 
sentence. 

“ Understand me,” he said at last, gently, unable longer 
to endure the terrible silence, “I do not admit that I am 
in any way guilty, but until I am fully acquitted of any 
share in or knowledge of the death of Hugh Mainwaring, 

I can make neither denial nor admission, one way or the 
other.” 

“ But you still love me?” she inquired, calmly. 

“Miss Carleton, — Winifred, — how can you ask? You' 
are, and always will be to me, the one, only woman upon 
earth.” 

“ That is sufficient,” she answered, with a strange, bright 
204 


LOVE FINDS A WAY 


smile ; '‘my faith in you is perfect, and faith and love can 
wait. ’ ' 

"Wait, my love ! until when?” he cried. 

"If needful, until Eternity’s sunlight dispels Earth’s 
shadows ! Eternity holds ample compensation for all of 
Earth’s waiting.” 

" But, my darling, ’ ’ he said, half protesting, while he 
folded her to his breast, "you know not the risk you may 
be running ; I cannot accept the sacrifice that may be in- 
volved. ’ ’ 

"My decision is taken, and it is irrevocable,” she an- 
swered, with an arch smile; then added, "There can be 
no barriers between us, Harold, for Love will find a way !” 


305 


CHAPTER XVIII 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 

Though nearly six weeks had elapsed since the death of 
the master of Fair Oaks, and as yet no light had been 
shed on that mysterious event, the interest of the public 
mind in the affair had in no wise abated during this brief 
interim. On the contrary, its curiosity had been so whetted 
by the partial revelations of the inquest, that it had eagerly 
followed each step of the legal proceedings leading towards 
the inevitable contest over the property, ready to hail with 
delight the appearance of the Mainwaring skeleton when 
it should step forth from its long hiding to disclose the 
secrets of the past. 

As early as possible, a petition, setting forth the terms 
and conditions of the last will and testament of Hugh 
Mainwaring, and praying for letters of administration in 
accordance therewith to be issued to William H. Whitney, 
the executor named in said will, had been filed in the dis- 
trict court. A few days thereafter, the petition of Eleanor 
Houghton Mainwaring, for letters to be issued to Richard 
Hobson, was also filed. The hearing in the application 
for letters of administration occupied several days; very 
little evidence was adduced, however, which had not 
already been given at the inquest, and in due time an order 
was issued by the court, appointing Mr. Whitney adminis- 
trator of the estate, with instructions that the same be ad- 
justed according to the terms of the lost will. From this 
order, Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring, through her attor- 
ney, Hobson, had appealed, and the contest had at last 
begun. 


200 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 


For greater convenience during the legal proceedings, 
Ralph Mainwaring had closed the surburban residence, dis- 
missing what servants were no longer needed, though still 
retaining the new coachman, and had removed to Hugh 
Mainwaring’ s city residence, where he and his son made 
themselves perfectly at home, dining with Mr. Whitney at 
his club. Mrs. LaGrange, having been compelled to re- 
sign her position at Fair Oaks, had ^Iso removed to the 
city and taken apartments in a convenient hotel until the 
termination of her suit. 

The afternoon of the second day since the opening of 
the case was drawing to a close ; the testimony on the ap- 
pellant’s side had been taken, and it was expected that the 
respondent would be heard on the following day, when an 
event transpired which completely overthrew all proceed- 
ings had thus far, and which promised the waiting public 
developments as startling as could be desired. 

This event was none other than the filing in the district 
court of a document purporting to be the last will and 
testament of the father of the deceased Hugh Mainwaring, 
by the terms of which the Mainwaring estate, as it then 
existed, together with the bulk of his other property, passed 
to Harold Scott Mainwaring, an elder son who had been 
previously disinherited, but was by this will restored to his 
full rights. With this document, worn and yellow with 
age, was filed a petition, setting forth the claims of one 
Harold Scott Mainwaring, the lawful, living, and only son 
of the said Harold Scott Mainwaring named in the will, 
but since deceased, and sole heir of the Mainwaring estate, 
and praying for letters of administration to be issued to 
George D. Sutherland, attorney for the said lawful heir. 

The court adjourned amid intense excitement, just as 
the newsboys were crying the headlines of the evening 
papers,— 


207 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘‘ A New Heir to the Mainwaring Property ! Discovery 
of Will secreted more than Twenty-five Years ! Millions 
wrongfully withheld from the Rightful Owner !” 

Strangely enough, the two most interested in this unex- 
pected turn of affairs were among the latest to learn the 
surprising news. Ralph Mainwaring, having felt slightly 
indisposed, and knowing that his side would not come up 
for hearing until the following day, had made himself as 
comfortable as possible in the elegant apartments which he 
had appropriated to his own use, while his son had left the 
court-room at an early hour to devote the remainder of the 
afternoon to letter-writing. 

The latter glanced up from his writing and nodded 
pleasantly, as Mr. Whitney, pale with excitement, was 
ushered by the butler into the library. 

*‘Mr. Mainwaring, is your father in?” the attorney in- 
quired, hastily. 

‘‘ I believe so,” replied the young man, smiling broadly ; 

the last I knew, the governor was luxuriating in his rooms 
up-stairs ; I think you will find him there now. How’s the 
case coming on, sir?” he added, as the attorney turned 
quickly towards the hall. ‘‘Anything new developed?” 

“Yes; decidedly new ! ” Mr. Whitney answered, rather 
brusquely ; “ you had better join us up-stairs !” and he dis- 
appeared. 

The young man’s face grew suddenly serious, and, spring- 
ing from his chair, he swiftly followed the retreating figure 
of the attorney, arriving just in time to hear the latter ex- 
claim, in reply to some question from his father, — 

“Well, sir, the storm has burst !” 

Ralph Mainwaring was, as his son had said, ‘ ‘ luxuriating’ ’ 
in a superb reclining chair, his eyes half closed, enjoying a 
fine Havana, but the attorney’s words seemed to produce 
the effect of an electric shock. 

208 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 


‘‘The deuce, sir! what do you mean?” he demanded, 
instantly assuming an upright position. 

“ I simply mean that what I have expected and dreaded 
all along has at last come to pass. ’ ’ 

“ Then, since it was not unexpected, it is to be presumed 
that you were at least prepared for it ! That shyster and 
his designing client must, at the last moment, have exerted 
their inventive faculties to a remarkable degree !” 

‘ ‘ On the contrary, ’ ’ said the attorney, quietly ignoring 
the other’s sarcasm, and handing copies of the evening 
papers to father and son, “ I am satisfied that neither Hob- 
son nor his client has any part in the developments of this 
afternoon.” 

A brief silence followed, during which the attorney 
watched the two men before him, noting the strange con- 
trast between them, never until that moment so apparent. 
Young Mainwaring’s boyish face grew pale as he read, and 
he occasionally glanced at Mr. Whitney, as though seeking 
in his face either confirmation or contradiction of the re- 
port, but he remained calm and self-possessed, preserving 
his gentlemanly bearing to the close of the interview. 
The face of the elder man, however, rapidly assumed an 
Mmost apoplectic hue, the veins standing out from his 
temples like whip-cords, and when he spoke his voice trem- 
bled with rage. He was the first to break the silence, as, 
with an oath, he flung the papers upon the floor, exclaim- 
ing,— 

“ It is a lie from beginning to end ! The most prepos- 
terous fabrication of falsehood that could be devised ! The 
‘ will, ’ as it is called, is nothing but a rank forgery, and the 
man who dares assert any claim to the estate is a damned 
impostor, and I’ll tell him so to his face 1” 

“I examined the document very carefully, Mr. Main- 
waring,” said the attorney, “and I shall have to admit 
X4 209 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


that it certainly had every appearance of genuineness ; if 
it is a forgery, it is an exceedingly clever one. ’ ’ 

* ^ Do you mean to tell me that you believe, for one 
moment, in this balderdash?” demanded Ralph Main- 
waring, at the same time rising and striding about the 
room in his wrath. ‘^The utter absurdity of the thing, 
that such a will ever existed, in the first place, and then 
that it would be secreted all these years only to be ‘ dis- 
covered* just at this critical moment ! It is the most trans- 
parent invention I ever heard of, and it is a disgrace to 
your American courts that the thing was not quashed at 
once !” 

‘‘That could not very well be done,” said Mr. Whitney, 
with a quiet smile ; “and as the matter now stands, the 
only course left open for us is to prepare ourselves for a 
thorough investigation of the case. ’ ’ 

“Investigation be damned !” interrupted the other, but, 
before he could proceed further, he was in turn interrupted 
by young Mainwaring. 

“ I say, governor, you’d best cool down a bit and listen 
to what Mr. Whitney has to say ; if this thing is a forgery, 
we surely can prove it so; and if it isn’t, why, all the 
bluster in the world won’t help it, you know’.” 

His father faced him with a look of withering contempt. 
“ ‘ If ’ it is a forgery ! I tell you there are no ‘ ifs’ about 
it. I suppose, though, you are just fool enough that, if any 
man made a pretence of a claim to the estate, you would 
simply hand it over to him, and thank him for taking it off 
your hands ! ” 

“ That’s just where you are wrong, governor. I would 
fight him, fair and square, and he would have to prove a 
better claim than mine before he could w’in. But the point 
is this, don’t you know, you can fight better with your 
head cool and your plans well laid beforehand. ’ ’ 


210 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 


‘‘The young man is right,” said Mr. Whitney, quickly; 
“ there is every indication that our opponent, whoever or 
whatever he may be, is well prepared for contesting the 
case. I understand he has plenty of evidence on his side 
and the best of legal counsel.” 

“Evidence, I suppose,” interposed Ralph Mainwaring, 
with a sneer, “ in support of a document that never existed, 
and a man that never lived on the face of the earth ; for 
Harold Mainwaring never had a living son. Have you 
seen this remarkable individual ?’ ’ 

“ I believe no one in this country has seen him as yet, 
sir. He is expected to arrive on the ‘Umbria,’ which I 
understand is due the early part of next week. ’ ’ 

The face of the other showed slight surprise at this state- 
ment, but, before he could speak, the young man in- 
quired, — 

‘ ‘ I say, Mr. Whitney, what sort of a man is this attor- 
ney, Sutherland ? Is he another Hobson ?’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney shook his head significantly. “ Mr. Suther- 
land is one of the ablest men in his profession. I consider 
him a fine jurist, an eloquent pleader, and a perfect gentle- 
man. I had some conversation with him after court ad- 
journed, and while he, of course, stated no details, he 
gave me to understand that his client had a strong case. 
He also informed me that Barton & Barton, of London, 
had been retained in the case, and that his client would be 
accompanied to this country by the junior member of the 
firm, Alfred Barton. ’ ’ 

“By Jove, that looks bad for us!” ejaculated young 
Mainwaring, while his father exclaimed, impatiently, — 

“ Barton & Barton ? Impossible ! that is mere bombast ! 
Why, man, the Bartons, father and sons, have been the 
family solicitors of the Mainwarings for the past fifty years. 
The old firm of Barton & Sons had charge of the settle- 

211 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

ment of the estate when it passed into Hugh Mainwaring’s 
possession at the death of his father. ’ ’ 

‘*So I had understood,” said the attorney; have 
heard Mr. Mainwaring himself speak of them.” 

‘‘And,” continued the other, “ only a few days before 
sailing for America, I called at their chambers in London 
and told them of Hugh’s intentions regarding my son and 
received their congratulations. Now, sir, do you mean to 
tell me, in the face of all this, that Barton & Barton are 
retained by this mushroom claimant, whoever he is ? Pooh i 
preposterous ! ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney shook his head slowly. “ Mr. Sutherland 
is not the man to make any misstatements or allow himself 
to be misinformed. All I have to say is, if those attorneys 
are retained in the case, it certainly looks as though our 
opponent must have some tenable ground in support of his 
claim. I am inclined to think they will make us a hard 
fight, but I am confident that we will win in the end. 
The main point is this : we must be prepared to meet them 
on whatever ground they may take, and, after hearing their 
side and the proof they set up, we can easily determine 
our line of defence. ’ ’ 

“To the deuce with your line of defence ! I tell you, 
Whitney, there is just one point to be maintained, and, by 
my soul, it shall be maintained at any cost!” and the 
speaker emphasized his words by bringing his clinched 
hand down upon a table beside him with terrific force; 
“ that point is this : Harold Scott Mainwaring never had a 
living, lawful son ; no such person exists, or ever has ex- 
isted on the face of the earth, and I can prove what I say. ’ ’ 

“Have you absolute proof of that?” Mr. Whitney in- 
quired, quickly. 

“I have,” replied Ralph Mainwaring, triumphantly, 
while his cold, calculating gray eyes glittered like burnished 
212 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 


steel. ** If any man thinks I have been asleep for the past 
twenty-one years, he is deucedly mistaken. Mr. Whitney, 
since the day of that boy’s birth,” pointing to his son, I 
have had but one fixed resolve, which has been paramount 
to everything else, to which everything else has had to sub- 
serve, — the Mainwaring estate with its millions should one 
day be his. Not a day has passed in which this was not 
uppermost in my mind ; not a day in which I have not 
scanned the horizon in every direction to detect the least 
shadow likely to intervene between me and the attainment 
of the dearest object of my life. When the news of Harold 
Mainwaring’ s death reached England, in order to guard 
against the possibility of a claim ever being asserted in that 
direction, I set myself at once to the task of finding for a 
certainty whether or not he had left any issue. I never 
rested day or night until, after infinite labor and pains, 
I had secured the certificate of the attendant physician to 
the effect that the only child of Harold Mainwaring died 
within an hour from its birth.” 

** Have you that certificate now?” inquired the attorney. 

** Not here ; it is among my private papers at home.” 

Cable for it at once ; with the death of Harold Main- 
waring’ s child fully established, the will would cut no figure, 
one way or another. ’ ’ 

‘‘That will,” said Ralph Mainwaring, fiercely, turning 
upon Mr. Whitney with an expression which the latter had 
never seen, “ let me tell you, will cut no figure one way or 
another in any event. That will, remember, is a forgery ; 
and, if necessary, I will prove it so, if it takes my last shil- 
ling and the last drop of my heart’s blood to do it; do 
you understand ?’ ’ 

The attorney understood, and was more than ever con- 
vinced in his own mind that the old will filed that day was 
genuine. 


213 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Mrs. LaGrange 
sat alone in her apartments, awaiting the coming of Richard 
Hobson. It was considerably past the hour which he had 
set and daylight was slowly merging into dusk, yet enough 
light still remained to show the changes which the last few 
weeks had wrought in her face. Her features looked 
pinched and drawn, and a strange pallor had replaced the 
rich coloring of the olive skin, while her dark eyes, cold 
and brilliant as ever, had the look of some wild creature 
suddenly brought to bay. She shuddered now, as, from 
her window, she saw the cringing form of Hobson ap- 
proaching the building. 

‘‘To think,” she exclaimed to herself, passionately, 
“ that that creature is the only one to whom I can go for 
counsel or advice ! I loathe the very sight of him ; fool 
that I was ever to place myself within his power ! I 
thought I could use him as a tool like the rest ; but it is like 
playing with edged tools ; yet I dare not let him go. ’ ’ 

A moment later, she heard a stealthy, cat-like tread in 
the corridor outside, followed by a low, peculiar tap at the 
door, and Hobson entered. 

She crossed the room slowly, keeping her face in the 
shadow, and, motioning him to a chair, seated herself op- 
posite, watching him narrowly. 

“You are late,” she said, coldly, in response to his 
greeting. 

“ Admitted, my lady,” he replied, in his usual unctuous 
tones, “but I naturally wished to ascertain all the facts 
possible regarding this new deal, and, seeing Whitney 
nosing about on the trail, I decided to remain within 
ear-shot and pick up what information I could second- 
hand. ’ ’ 

“ What did you learn ?” 

“Nothing very definite, and yet enough, perhaps, to 
214 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 


give us our cue until further developments. My dear lady, 
what do you think of this new turn of affairs ?’ ’ 

‘*The whole thing is simply preposterous; a piece of 
the most consummate audacity I ever dreamed of ! ” 

‘‘Ha! I thought it would strike you as particularly 
nervy. It is the most daring bit of invention I have seen 
for some time ; and it must be a pretty cleverly concocted 
scheme and pretty well backed with the ducats also, for I 
learned to-night that the ‘ heir, ’ ’ ’ laying special emphasis 
on the word, “ has secured the services of Barton & Barton, 
and those birds are too old to be caught with chaff ; besides, 
you know as well as I the part that firm has taken in the 
Mainwaring affairs. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Barton & Barton ? Incredible ! The case is hopeless 
then for Ralph Mainwaring : he is a fool if he expects to 
win. ’ ’ 

“Just what I was leading up to. Whitney is no match 
even for this man, Sutherland, and he will be a mere child 
in the hands of the Bartons. Now, the question is, where 
do we come in ? As you say, Ralph Mainwaring’ s case is 

hopeless, unless ” and he looked significantly at hia 

client. 

“I do not think I quite catch the drift of your mean- 
ing, ’ ’ she answered, slowly. 

‘ ‘ Has it not occurred to you that there are not two peo- 
ple in existence who can so quickly tear to shreds the scheme 
of this impostor as you and I? There is not a human 
being living outside of myself who knows the real facts 
concerning that will; and who could give such effective 
and convincing testimony regarding Harold Mainwaring’ S 
son as yourself?” 

“Admitting all this, what do you propose?” 

“When Ralph Mainwaring has staked his highest card 
and finds that the game is irrevocably lost, what will he 
215 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


not give at the last critical moment for assistance such as 
we can then furnish him ?’ ’ 

And which course would you pursue in that event?” 
she asked, a tinge of irony in her tone. ‘‘Would you 
deny that such a will ever existed in face of whatever 
evidence may be brought forward in its support? or would 
you admit being a party to the destruction of the will ?’ ’ 

“ My dear madam, I am perfectly capable of conducting 
this affair to our mutual satisfaction and without running 
my head into any trap, as you so pleasantly suggest. And 
right here allow me to say that it would be just as well for 
you not to make those insinuations which you are so fond 
of throwing out at random. As I said before, no living 
person outside of myself, including even yourself, knows 
the facts regarding that will. You have your own surmises, 
but they are only surmises, and you had best keep them to 
yourself, as you know enough of me by this time to know 
it will be to your interest to accept my suggestions and fall 
in line with my plans. ’ ’ 

Her face was in the shadow, and he did not see the 
scornful curl of her lip or her peculiar expression, as she 
remarked coldly, — 

“You are only wasting words and time in your efforts to 
intimidate me. You have not yet made any suggestions 
or outlined any plans. I have asked you what you propose 
to do.” 

“I have not time to go into details, but, briefly stated, 
I propose, when the right opportunity presents itself, to 
prove, first, that this document filed to-day is a forgery. 
If I can show conclusively that the original will was acci- 
dentally lost, or intentionally destroyed, or if I happen to 
have the original in my possession, — under any of these 
conditions I gain my first point. Then, through your 
testimony, I shall demonstrate unequivocally a still more 
216 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 


important point, that this so-called heir is a gross im- 
postor, that no such individual exists. ’ ’ 

** And for this, you expect — what?” 

‘‘For this I shall demand a handsome remuneration, to 
be divided, of course, between yourself and myself, and 
Ralph Mainwaring will only too gladly give the half of his 
kingdom for such services.” 

“And your testimony would have so much weight with 
Ralph Mainwaring and the Bartons, and with every one 
else who has any knowledge of your London history !” 

Hobson winced visibly, but before he could reply she 
continued : 

“You are talking the most arrant foolishness. You 
know that those men would not allow your testimony in 
court ; they would very quickly procure evidence to show 
that your word, even under oath, is worthless ; that you are 
a liar, a perjurer and a ” 

“ Not so fast, not so fast, my lady. If past histories are 
to be raked up, I know of one which embraces a much 
wider area than London alone ; Melbourne, for instance, 
and Paris and Vienna, to say nothing of more recent 
events ! ’ ’ 

“ Do your worst, and I will do mine !” she replied, de- 
fiantly. “That is nothing to the point, however. What I 
have to say is this : You are a fool if you think that you or 
I can ever extort money from Ralph Mainwaring. He 
would give no credence whatever to anything that you 
might say, and if once my identity were revealed to him, 
he would go through fire and blood rather than that one 
shilling of his should ever become mine. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ And what do you propose to do ?’ ’ he asked, sullenly. 
“ Do you intend to give up the game?” 

“Give up? Never! I would give my life first I I 
will yet have my revenge on the Mainwarings, one and all ; 

217 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


and I will repay them double for all the insult and ignominy 
they have heaped upon me. ’ ’ 

* * That is to the point ; but how will you accomplish it ?’ ’ 
said Hobson, in a more conciliatory tone, for each feared 
the other, and he thoroughly understood the spirit of his 
client. Let us be reasonable about this ; you and I have 
too much at stake and too many interests in common for 
us to quarrel like children.” 

‘‘If I were differently situated, I can assure you we 
would then have very few interests in common, ’ ’ she re- 
plied, bitterly. 

“Well, supposing you were, what would you do in this 
case ?’ ’ he inquired, softly, apparently taking no notice of 
her remark, but in reality making a mental note of it for 
future reckoning. 

“ Defeat Ralph Mainwaring, by all means ; if necessary, 
produce testimony to show that this will is genuine. If he 
spends his last shilling to fight the case, so much the better. 
Then, when the case is settled and this so-called heir is 
master of the situation, or supposes himself so, bring suit 
to show that he is an impostor, and assert my own claim 
as the nearest living heir.” 

Hobson whistled softly. “ A plan worthy of your am- 
bition, my lady, but hardly feasible. It is one thing to 
assert a claim, and another to be able to establish it. 
Through your over -ambition you would lose in the end, 
for, should you succeed in dispossessing this stranger, 
Ralph Mainwaring would surely come forward with his 
claim, and you would be beaten.” 

“When I laydown arms to a Mainwaring, I will lay 
down my life also, ’ ’ she answered, proudly. 

“You think so, perhaps; but let me tell you the best 
course for you to pursue is to make terms, either with Ralph 
Mainwaring, as I first suggested, or else with this new-comer 

218 


AN UNFORESEEN FOE 


— should he prove victorious — by threatening to expose his 
whole scheme.” 

Mrs. LaGrange made no reply, and Hobson, rising to 
take leave, saw her face for the first time and paused, sur- 
prised at its strange expression. 

Well ?” he said, with a look of inquiry. 

My thoughts were wandering just then,” she said, with 
a faint smile, and her tone was so changed the voice 
scarcely seemed her own. was wishing, just for the 
moment, that this stranger, whoever he may be, was in 
reality the one he claims to be. I would need no attorney 
to make terms with him then ! ’ ’ 

‘‘You forget ; he would be a Main waring !” 

“Yes; but he would be the only Mainwaring and the 
only human being I could ever have loved, and I would 
have loved him better than my own life.” 

“Love!” repeated Hobson, with a sneer. “Who 
would ever have thought to hear that word from your lips I 
But how about your son, Walter; do you not love him?” 

“ Him 1” she exclaimed, pa.ssionately ; “ the price I paid 
hoping to win Hugh Mainwaring ! I am proud of him as 
my own flesh and blood, but love him ? Never ! ’ ’ 

“ But you have not yet told me what you think of my 
last suggestion, ’ ’ he said, tentatively, watching her closely. 

Her manner changed instantly ; rising with all her ac- 
customed hauteur and turning from him with a gesture of 
dismissal, she replied, — 

“Come to me later, when I shall have measured lances 
with our new opponent, and you shall have your answer. ’ ' 

He would have spoken, but her dismissal was final, and 
with darkening face he left the room. 


219 


CHAPTER XIX 


MUTUAL RECOGNITIONS 

The sudden turn of affairs in the Mainwaring case ex. 
cited no small amount of comment, and for the next ensuing 
days speculation was rife concerning the recently discovered 
will, but more particularly regarding the new and unknown 
claimant. At the clubs and elsewhere it formed the prin- 
cipal topic of conversation, and Ralph Mainwaring was 
loud in his denunciations of the one as a forgery, and of 
the other as an impostor. To all such remarks, however, 
as well as to the questions of the curious, Mr. Sutherland 
had but one reply, accompanied by a slow, quiet smile ; 
that on the day set for the hearing, he would not only prove 
the validity of the will, but would also establish, beyond 
all doubt or question, the identity of the claimant. 

As a result, public curiosity was so thoroughly aroused, 
that upon the arrival of the ‘‘Umbria,” an unusual crowd of 
reporters was assembled at the pier, notwithstanding a pour- 
ing rain, and the gang-plank had no sooner been thrown 
down than a number of the more ambitious rushed on 
board, eager to be the first in gaining some bit of informa- 
tion or personal description. Their efforts, however, were 
unsuccessful, as the individuals whom they most desired to 
meet remained in their state-rooms and declined to be 
interviewed. Not until the crowd had about dispersed and 
the patience of a few of the more persistent was nearly ex- 
hausted, was their zeal rewarded by the sight of a party of 
four Englishmen, who hastily left the boat, completely en- 
veloped in heavy mackintoshes, and, taking a closed car- 
220 


MUTUAL RECOGNITIONS 


riage which was awaiting them, were driven rapidly to the 
Waldorf Hotel. 

At the hotel the party still remained inaccessible to all 
visitors, with the exception of Mr. Sutherland, who spent 
much of his time in their apartments. It was ascertained 
that the party consisted of two gentlemen, one of whom 
was accompanied by a valet, the other — presumably the 
attorney — ^by a clerk, but all efforts towards gaining any 
more definite information prove absolutely futile. The 
arrival by the next steamer of another stranger, an elderly 
gentleman, who immediately joined the party at the Wal- 
dorf, after having registered under an evident alias, only 
served to deepen the mystery. 

Upon the arrival of the day set for the hearing of the 
proof in support of the ancient will, the court-room was, 
at an early hour, packed to its utmost capacity. Occupying 
a prominent place were Ralph Mainwaring and his son, 
accompanied by Mr. Whitney, the sensitive face of the 
attorney more eager and alert than ever. At some distance 
from them, but seated rather conspicuously where she could 
command a good view of all that occurred, was Mrs. La- 
Grange, while in a remote corner of the court-room, par- 
tially concealed by the crowd, was Richard Hobson. 

Within a few moments preceding the appointed hour, 
Mr. Sutherland appeared. His entrance caused a sudden 
hush of expectation throughout the crowd and all eyes were 
immediately turned in his direction. Accompanying him 
was a gentleman whose bearing commanded universal ad- 
miration, and whom the Mainwarings instantly recognized 
as the English barrister whose connection with the case 
they had deemed so incredible. But a still deeper surprise 
awaited them. Immediately following the attorneys was a 
young man whose features and carriage were familiar, not 
only to the Mainwarings, but to scores of spectators as well, 
221 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


as those of the private secretary of the deceased Hugh 
Mainwaring, whose testimony at the inquest had created so 
much of a sensation, and whose sudden disappearance 
thereafter had caused considerable comment. There was 
a ripple of excitement through the court-room, and the 
Mainwarings, father and son, watched the young man with 
strangely varying emotions, neither as yet fully compre- 
hending the real significance of his presence there. 

‘*The secretary!” exclaimed Mr. Whitney, in a low 
tone. * ‘ Can it be possible that he is concerned in this ?’ ’ 
He is probably the hired tool by means of which this 
has been brought about. I might have known as much ! ’ * 
replied the elder man, his old hatred and wrath reviving 
with greater intensity than ever, but before he could pro- 
ceed further his glance fell on the secretary’s companion. 

He was a tall, elderly gentleman, with snow-white hair 
and beard, but with form erect and vigorous, and with 
piercing eyes which met those of Ralph Mainwaring with 
a flash, not of recognition alone, but of disdain and de- 
fiance that seemed to challenge him to do his utmost. 

With a muttered oath, the latter half rose from his chair, 
but at that instant his attention was arrested by the two 
men bringing up the rear; one, small and of uncertain 
age, the other, older even than he appeared, and bearing 
the unmistakable air of an English servant. As Ralph 
Mainwaring recognized James Wilson, the last relic of the 
old Mainwaring household, he suddenly grew pale and sank 
back into his chair, silent, watchful, and determined ; while 
his son and the attorney, quick to note the change in his 
appearance, made neither inquiries nor comments, but each 
drew his own conclusion. 

There was one other to whom the white-haired gentle- 
man did not seem an utter stranger. Mrs. LaGrange from 
her post of observation had watched the entering party 

222 


MUTUAL RECOGNITIONS 


with visible signs of excitement. Her lips curled in a 
mocking smile as she caught sight of the secretary, but 
glancing from him to his companion, she involuntarily re- 
coiled in terror, yet gazed like one fascinated, unable to 
remove her eyes from his face. Suddenly the piercing eyes 
met her own, their look of astonishment quickly changing 
to scorn. She flushed, then paled, but her eyes never 
faltered, flashing back mocking defiance to his anger and 
scorn for scorn. 

Meanwhile, the quondam secretary, seated between the 
attorneys on the one hand and his elderly companion on 
the other, seemed alike unconscious of the many curious 
glances cast in his direction and of the dark looks of Ralph 
Mainwaring now fastened on him. At a little distance was 
the old servant, his immovable features expressing the ut- 
most indifference to his surroundings, looking neither to 
the right hand nor to the left. 

Not so with the remaining member of the party, the so- 
called ‘‘clerk!” Seated beside the English barrister, his 
eye seemed to sweep the entire court-room with a glance 
that omitted no details, not even the cringing form of 
Hobson, who quailed and seemed to be trying to shrink 
still further into concealment as he felt himself included in 
the search-light of that gaze. But no one saw the slip of 
paper which, a moment later, was handed to Alfred Barton, 
and by him passed to Mr. Sutherland. There was a hur- 
ried filling out of blanks lying among the papers on the 
table, a messenger was despatched, two or three men edged 
themselves into the crowd in Hobson’s vicinity, — ^and that 
was all ! 

Promptly at the time appointed the case was called. 
There was perfect silence throughout the court-room as Mr. 
Sutherland arose, holding in one hand the ancient will, and 
with breathless attention the crowd listened for the opening 

223 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


words of what was to prove one of the fiercest and most 
bitter contests on record, and of whose final termination 
even the participants themselves little dreamed. 

After a few preliminaries, Mr. Sutherland said, address- 
ing the court, — 

‘ ‘ Before proceeding farther, your honor, I will give 
orders for the subpoena, as a witness in this case, of one 
Richard Hobson, alias Dick Carroll.” 

Then turning towards the crowd in the rear of the court- 
room, he added, ‘‘ Let the papers be served at once !” 

There was a stir of excitement and a sudden craning of 
necks in the direction indicated by the attorney’s glance, 
where three men had sprung forward in obedience to his 
orders. 

Hobson, at the first mention of his name, had glanced 
quickly about him as though seeking some means of escape, 
but on hearing the alias — the name he had supposed un- 
known in America — he paused for an instant, seemingly 
half paralyzed with terror. But the sight of the approach- 
ing sheriff broke the spell, and he made a sudden lunge 
through the crowd in the direction of an open window. 
His progress was speedily checked by one of the deputies, 
however, and after a short, ineffectual struggle he sullenly 
submitted. 

Bring the witness forward,” said Mr. Sutherland, with 
his calm, slow smile ; we may call upon him before long, 
and he would probably prefer a seat convenient to the wit- 
ness stand.” 

As he was seated opposite and facing the English party, 
it was noted that the face of the old servant lighted up with 
a look of recognition, and he watched the new-comer with 
evident interest. Hobson, having carefully avoided the 
eyes of both Alfred Barton and the private secretary, soon 
became aware of Wilson’s scrutiny, and after regarding him 

224 


MUTUAL RECOGNITIONS 


fixedly for a moment seemed suddenly to recognize him in 
turn, and also to realize at the same time the import of his 
presence there, which, apparently, did not tend to lessen 
his agitation. 

Slowly Mr. Sutherland unfolded the document he held, 
yellow with age, the edges of its folds so frayed and tattered 
as to render the writing in some places almost illegible. 
Slowly, in deep, resonant tones, he read the opening words 
of the old will ; words of unusual solemnity, which caused 
a hush to fall over the crowded court-room : 

‘‘ In the name of God ; Amen. Know all men, that I, 
Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, being of sound and disposing 
mind and memory, but now upon my death -bed, soon to 
appear in the presence of my Maker, do make and publish 
this, my last will and testament ; hereby revoking and set- 
ting aside any and every will at any time heretofore made 
by me.” 

Then followed, in quaint phraseology, the terms of the 
will ; by which the full right and title of the first-born son, 
under the English law, were conveyed to Harold Scott 
Mainwaring, and all legal processes theretofore entered 
into, depriving him of such rights, were forever annulled ; 
restoring to the said Harold Scott Mainwaring, as his right- 
ful inheritance, the entire family estate, including other 
valuable property ; the said property at his death to pass to 
his eldest living son, or in case of his dying without issue, 
to revert to his brother Hugh, were the latter living, if not, 
to the nearest living heirs of the Mainwarings ; but on no 
account was any portion of the estate or property to pass 
to the wife of Harold Scott Mainwaring, should she survive 
him. 

As the reading of the will progressed, Hobson’s feelings, 
too deep and genuine at that moment for disguise, were 
plainly mirrored in his face. Having for years believed 

i ^25 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


the old will destroyed, as he now listened to the words dic- 
tated to himself upon that memorable night, so long ago, 
it was little wonder that to his cowardly soul it seemed like 
a voice from the dead, and that astonishment, fear, and 
dread were depicted on his features, merging into actual 
terror as the attorney at last pronounced the names of the 
witnesses, Alexander McPherson and Richard Hobson. 

For a few seconds his brain reeled, and he saw only the 
face of the dying man as it looked that night, — stern and 
pale, but with dark, piercing eyes, deep -set, within whose 
depths still gleamed the embers of a smouldering fire which 
now seemed burning into his inmost soul. Trembling from 
head to foot, Hobson, with a mighty effort, regained his 
scattered faculties and again became conscious of his sur- 
roundings, only to find the eyes of the secretary fixed upon 
his face, and, as he shrank from their burning gaze, the truth 
flashed suddenly upon him. 

‘‘ The face of old Mainwaring himself ! ” he muttered in 
horror; then added, with an oath, ‘‘Fool that I was not 
to have known it sooner ! That woman lied J’* 


226 


CHAPTER XX 


OPENING FIRE 

The first witness called to the stand by Mr. Sutherland 
was James Wilson. There were many present who noted 
the resemblance between him and his son, John Wilson, 
who had given testimony at the inquest, though unaware 
of the relationship between them. 

‘‘ Mr. Wilson,” said the attorney, after the usual prelim- 
inaries, understand you were for a number of years in 
the employ of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, the testator 
whose name is affixed to this will ; is that so ?’ ’ 

‘‘Yes, sir,” was the reply, while the attention of the 
crowd was at once riveted upon the witness. 

“Will you state how long you were in his employ, and 
in what capacity?” 

“ I was his valet, sir, from his twenty-fifth year until the 
day of his death, a little above thirty-five years, sir ; and 
during his last illness, of about three months, I was with 
him constantly, you might say, sir.” 

“ Do you recognize the document just read in your hear- 
ing as anything which you have heard before ?’ ’ 

“That I do, sir.” 

“ State when and under what circumstances you have 
previously heard it.” 

“ At the death -bed of Mr. Ralph Mainwaring, sir, twenty- 
five years ago the seventeenth of last November. I was 
present at the making of that will, sir, the night before 
Mr. Mainwaring died. I heard him give those words to 
the lawyer, and then heard them read to him before the 
will was signed. ’ ’ 


227 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


** By whom was it drawn ?’* 

Richard Hobson, sir; the man sitting there,” 
pointing to the shrinking figure of Hobson. 

** Do you positively identify that man as the writer of 
this will?” 

‘‘That I do, sir,” with marked emphasis; “when one 
once sets eyes on the likes o’ him, he’s not likely to forget 
him soon. ’ ’ 

“Was Richard Hobson the attorney of Mr. Main- 
waring ?’ ’ 

“Ah, no, sir,” with evident scorn ; “his attorney was 
Mr. Alfred Barton, the father, sir, of this gentleman,” in- 
dicating the English barrister, while the interest of the 
crowd deepened. 

‘ ‘ How, then, was this man employed to draw the will ?’ ’ 

“Mr. Barton was out of town, sir; and as Mr. Main- 
waring was dying and naught would satisfy him but to have 
a lawyer, they brought Mr. Barton’s clerk.” 

“ State the circumstances under which this will was 
drawn; was Mr. Mainwaring influenced by any one to 
make it ?’ ’ 

“He was influenced by none but his own conscience, 
sir. You see, sir, three or four years before, he was very 
angry with his elder son, and cut him off without a shilling 
and gave everything to Mr. Hugh. But it broke his heart 
to do it, for Mr. Harold was his favorite, as indeed he was 
everybody’s, though he never mentioned his name again 
until the night he made the will. Well, sir, all that day 
we knew he was dying, and he knew it, and he was restless 
till late at night, when of a sudden he tells us to get his 
lawyer. Mr. Hugh tried to put him off, and told us his 
mind was wandering ; but ’twas no use; and the carriage 
was sent for Mr. Barton, and when word was brought back 
that he was out of town, it was sent again and brought back 
228 


OPENING FIRE 


his clerk. Everything was all ready, and he propped up 
in bed by pillows, his eyes burning as though there was fire 
in them. He repeated those words while the lawyer wrote 
them down, and then had them read to him, and at fifteen 
minutes of twelve o’clock the will was signed and sealed.” 

‘‘You were present during the drawing up of the 
will?” 

“Yes, sir, I was present through it all, but not where 
the others saw me. When the lawyer came, Mr. Hugh 
told me to leave the room ; but as I was going his father 
called me back and bade me stay, and I was standing at 
the foot of the bed, hidden by the curtains of the canopy, 
so none but the old gentleman saw me. ’ ’ 

“ Who else was present?” 

“Mr. Mainwaring’s old friend, Sandy McPherson, Mr. 
Hugh, and the lawyer. ’ ’ 

“ No one else? Were there no physicians present?” 

“ There were physicians in the house, sir, but not in the 
room.” 

“ How long did Mr. Mainwaring live afterwards?” 

“He died at five o’clock the next morning, sir; his 
strength went fast after that was done, but he rested easy 
and seemed satisfied.” 

“ What was done with the will ?’ ’ 

“ Mr. Hobson took it away with him that night.” 

“ Have you ever seen it since?” 

“No, sir.” 

“Mr. Wilson,” said the attorney, showing the witness 
the will, “can you swear to these signatures as being the 
same which you saw affixed to the will upon that night ?’ ’ 

Wilson studied the document attentively for a moment. 
“Yes, sir, that is Mr. Mainwaring’s writing, only a bit 
unsteady, for his hand trembled. McPherson’s writing I 
know, and you mark that blot after his name? I re- 

229 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


member his fussing that night because he had blotted the 
paper. ’ ’ 

“And the third name, is that the signature of this man, 
Richard Hobson?” 

“I know naught about that man’s writing,” the old 
fellow replied, with a shrewd look; “but you will mind 
that the name is the same writing as the will itself, and he 
wrote that and signed his name to it, for I saw him. ’ ’ 

“ And you have neither seen that will, nor heard it read 
until this morning ?’ ’ 

“No, sir.” 

“You have remembered it all these years?” 

“ Maybe not word for word, sir, but I have kept the 
sense of it in my mind. ’ ’ 

“Are you positive that this is the will drawn up on the 
night of which you speak ?’ ’ 

“ That I am, sir.” 

“ Did you ever speak to any one of this will ?” 

“To none but my son, sir. Mr. Hugh Mainwaring was 
that sort of a man, I could not speak to him about it, or 
ask about his brother. I asked to be allowed to stay about 
the old place in hopes that some day Mr. Harold would 
come back to have a look at his old home, and I could 
tell him of it, for I thought things had not gone right al- 
together. Then we heard of his death, and I thought it 
was too late ; I could do no good by speaking, and I held 
my tongue until the young gentleman came. ’ ’ 

Wilson was then dismissed and Hobson was next called 
to the stand. More even than the reading of the old will, 
the truth which had dawned upon Hobson’s mind as he 
met the piercing gaze of the secretary, had convinced him 
that the position which he had intended to assume, adverse 
to the new claimant and as an ally of Ralph Mainwaring’ s, 
was neither politic nor safe. His views on that subject had 
230 


OPENING FIRE 


undergone a decided change, and, with his usual weather- 
vane proclivities, he was now preparing to take a totally 
different stand and strive to ingratiate himself into the favor 
of the new heir, at the same time leaving, if possible, a 
few loop-holes through which he could retreat, should 
some veering wind change his course in another direction. 

‘‘Mr. Hobson,” said the attorney, somewhat abruptly, 
when the necessary preliminaries were over, “did you on 
the night of November 17, 18 — , act as attorney for Ralph 
Maxwell Mainwaring, in the drawing up, at his request, of 
his last will and testament ?’ ’ 

“ I believe so, sir,” was the guarded answer. 

“Did you or did you not?” Mr. Sutherland per- 
sisted. 

“ I did, sir.” 

“ Have you, during all these years, had any knowledge 
that the will you drew under the circumstances already 
mentioned was still in existence ?’ ’ 

After a slight pause, the witness replied, “I had no 
positive knowledge to that effect.” 

“ Did you believe the will to be in existence?” 

Hobson reflected a moment, then replied, cautiously, “ I 
was led to suppose that the will did not exist. ’ ’ 

“You remember the form, terms, and conditions of the 
document drawn by yourself on that occasion?” 

“ I do, perfectly,” he replied, with more assurance. 

“ State whether the will read in your hearing this morn- 
ing is identical with the one drawn by yourself. ’ ’ 

Hobson now saw the drift of the attorney’s questions, 
but it was too late. 

“ As near as I can recollect,” he stammered, but a word 
from Mr. Sutherland recalled him. 

“You just said you remembered perfectly.” 

“ I believe they are identical in form.” 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘‘Mr. Hobson,” said the attorney, spreading out the 
document before the witness, but still retaining his hold 
upon it, ^‘will you state to the court whether that is your 
writing, and whether the last name, that of the second 
witness, is your signature. ’ ’ 

With great precision, Hobson adjusted a pair of eye- 
glasses and proceeded to scrutinize the writing closely. 
‘‘Well,” he remarked, at length, very deliberately, “I do 
not deny that to be my writing, nor am I prepared to posi- 
tively affirm that it is such. The fact is, my chirography 
varies so much from time to time that I oftel^ find it diffi- 
cult for me to verify my own signatures. ” 

“ Here are some papers which may assist the gentleman, 
and may be of some use to the court, ’ ’ said a deep voice 
with rich, musical inflections, but slightly tinged with sar- 
casm, and the English attorney handed a small package to 
Mr. Sutherland. “They contain,” he added, “some 
specimens of the witness’s chirography of about the same 
date as the will. ’ ’ 

“The writing in both cases is identical,” said Mr. 
Sutherland, as, having examined the papers, he showed 
them to Hobson, but a glance at their contents seemed 
rather to confuse the witness than otherwise, for he remained 
silent. 

“ Do you acknowledge these letters to be of your writ- 
ing ?’ ’ inquired the attorney. 

“ I do, sir ; and I have no doubt but that the other is my 
writing also. ’ ’ 

“ You acknowledge this, then, as the will which you wrote 
at the dictation of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring the night 
before his death ?’ ’ 

“ I believe it is, sir.” t 

“ Mr. Hobson, why was this will not make public fol- 
lowing Mr. Mainwaring’ s death and burial?” 


OPENING FIRE 


** On the day after his death, I gave it into the keeping 
of his son, Hugh Mainwaring, at his own request, and he 
afterwards gave me to understand that it was lost. ’ ’ 

‘‘And you were paid for keeping silent as to the exist- 
ence of such a will, were you not?” 

“ I may have been,” the witness replied, with a calm- 
ness born of desperation. 

“ That is sufficient for the present.” 

A few moments followed in which the attorneys con- 
sulted together, while comments in tones of subdued excite- 
ment and expectancy were exchanged among the crowd. 

Ralph Mainwaring had sat with darkening face through- 
out the testimony thus far ; now he remarked to Mr. Whit- 
ney, with a bitter sneer, — 

“Fine witnesses! A beggarly shyster whose oath is 
worthless, and an imbecile old servant, who could be bought 
for a half-crown 1 ’ ’ 

Young Mainwaring turned upon his father a look of in- 
dignant surprise. “Governor,” he said, “it would not 
be well for you if either old James Wilson or his son heard 
that remark of yours ! ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ It will be well for you to attend to your own business 
and keep your mouth shut ! ’ ’ responded his father, an- 
grily. 

Beneath the calm exterior which the young man pre- 
served, the old Mainwaring blood was now fast rising, but 
he made no reply, for at that instant Mr. Sutherland an- 
nounced the name of the next witness : 

“ Harold Scott Mainwaring !” 

There was a sudden hush throughout the court-room, 
broken an instant later by a low murmur of mingled aston- 
ishment, incredulity, and wonder as the private secretary 
rose and walked towards the witness stand. A few com . 
ments reached his ears, but he seemed unconscious of them, 

233 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


and, having taken his place, turned towards the audience a 
face cold and impassive, inscrutable to his enemies, who 
could read nothing of the conflicting emotions beneath that 
calm, immobile surface. 

He saw the crowd of upturned faces — incredulous, won- 
dering, curious ; he caught the mocking smile of Mrs. La- 
Grange and Ralph Mainwaring’s dark, sinister sneer; but 
he took little note of these. Like an arrow speeding to 
the mark, his glance sought the face of young Hugh Main- 
waring. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment there 
was recalled to each a starlit night on one of the balconies 
at Fair Oaks, and the parting words of young Mainwaring 
to the secretary, ‘‘I’m your friend, Scott, and whatever 
happens. I’ll stand by you.” 

With swift intuition each read the other’s thought, and, 
although there was no outward sign, Harold Mainwaring 
knew from that instant that there would be no retraction 
of that pledge. 

The slight ripple of excitement died away while the 
witness was sworn, and the crowd listened with interest even 
to the preliminary interrogatories. 

“ Where were you born?” asked the attorney. 

“In Melbourne, Australia,” was the reply, while deep 
silence awaited Mr. Sutherland’s next question. 

“Mr. Mainwaring, I believe you are familiar with the 
will just read, are you not ?’ ’ 

“lam.” 

‘ ‘ Please state when, and under what conditions, you 
gained your knowledge of this will. ’ ’ 

“ I first learned that such a will had existed and knew 
its general terms, between five and six years since, through 
information given me by James Wilson. From data found 
a little over a year ago among the personal letters of the 
deceased Hugh Mainwaring, I ascertained that the will 

234 


OPENING FIRE 


was still in existence, and on the 7th of July last I dis- 
covered the document itself and became personally familiar 
with its contents. ’ ’ 

At the mention of the name of Hugh Mainwaring and 
of the date so eventful in the recent history of Fair Oaks, 
the interest of the crowd deepened. 

Did you discover the document accidentally, or after 
special search for it ?’ ’ 

‘‘As the result of a systematic search for more than a 
year. ’ ’ 

“ Please state whether you took any steps leading to the 
discovery of this will during the four or five years im- 
mediately following your first knowledge of it ; and if so, 
what ?’ ’ 

“As I first learned of the will soon after entering Ox- 
ford, my studies necessarily occupied the greater part of my 
time for the next three or four years ; but I lost no oppor- 
tunity for gaining all possible information relating not only 
to the Mainwaring estate, but more particularly to Hugh 
Mainwaring and his coadjutor, Richard Hobson. Among 
other facts, I learned that immediately after the settlement 
of the estate, Hugh Mainwaring had disposed of the same 
and left England for America, while about the same time 
Richard Hobson suddenly rose from a penniless pettifogger 
to a position of affluence. 

“As soon as my studies were completed, I sailed for 
America, with the avowed determination of securing fur- 
ther evidence regarding the will, and of establishing my 
claim to the property fraudulently withheld from my father 
and from myself. In the securing of the necessary evidence 
I succeeded beyond my expectations. As Hugh Main- 
waring’ s private secretary, I gained access to the files of 
his personal letters, and soon was familiar with the entire 
correspondence between himself and Richard Hobson, 

235 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


from which I learned that the latter was demanding and 
receiving large sums of money as the price of his silence 
regarding some past fraudulent transaction. The nature 
of that transaction, I ascertained in this marginal note, in 
Hugh Mainwaring’s handwriting, upon one of Hobson’s 
letters which happened to be more insolent in its tone than 
the rest. With the permission of the court I will read it : 

‘ He insinuates that I destroyed the will ; I only gave 
him to understand that it was lost. Little he dreams it is 
still in my possession and will be, until such time as I, 
too, have to make final disposition of my estate ! Why I 
did not destroy it, or why I do not, now that the property 
is rightfully mine, I cannot say, except that I dare not ! 
‘‘ Thus conscience does make cowards of us all ?” ’ 

‘‘With the discovery of these words,” concluded the 
witness, “ began my search for the will itself.” 

“From the discovery of this letter which led you to 
believe the will was still in existence, you prosecuted your 
search for the document until the 7th of last July?” 

“Yes, sir, whenever an opportunity for search was 
offered. ’ ’ 

“ Where did you finally find the will?” 

“In the safe, in Mr. Mainwaring’s private apartments 
at Fair Oaks.” 

“ On July 7 last?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ That was the day on which you, acting as Hugh Main- 
waring’s secretary, had drawn, at his dictation, his last 
will and testament, was it not ?’ ’ 

“ It was.” 

‘ ‘ Mr. Mainwaring, ’ ’ said the attorney, deliberately, his 
eye quick to read the faces about him, ‘ ‘ is there in your 
mind any connection between that event and your dis' 
covery of this will ?’ ’ 


236 


OPENING FIRE 


** Only the most indirect,” was the reply, given with 
equal deliberation. ** The fact that Hugh Mainwaring was 
making fmal disposition of his property naturally spurred 
me on to increased action, since, in making final adjustment 
of his papers, he would be more than likely to destroy the 
old will. This incentive, together with the fact that op- 
portunity was given me for a more thorough search than I 
had been able to make prior to that time, combined to 
bring about the discovery of the will.” 

‘‘Please state the time and circumstances of your find- 
ing it.” 

“I found it late in the afternoon, while Mr. Main- 
waring and his guests had gone for a long drive. I de- 
termined to leave no place unexplored where it could pos- 
sibly be concealed ; after about an hour’s search I found 
it.” 

“ What did you then do with it ?” 

“ I retained it in my possession, and at the earliest op- 
portunity secreted it within my own room. ’ ’ 

“ It was in your possession during the following evening 
and night ?’ ’ 

“ It was.” 

“Mr. Mainwaring,” said Mr. Sutherland, with marked 
emphasis, “please state whether you mentioned to Hugh 
Mainwaring the discovery of the will, or had any conver- 
sation with him relating thereto. ’ ’ 

“ I made no mention of the matter to him whatever. 
Except for a few moments, immediately upon his return, 
I did not see him alone until about midnight, when he 
appeared fatigued, and I would not introduce the subject 
at a time so inopportune. ’ ’ 

After a slight pause, Mr. Sutherland continued. “You 
claim to be the lawful son of the Harold Scott Mainwaring 
mentioned in this will, and as such the lawful heir, under 

237 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


its terms and conditions, of the Mainwaring prop- 
erty?” 

‘‘Ido.” 

“Has it not been generally understood among those 
supposed to have knowledge of the facts in the case that 
Harold Scott Mainwaring, at the time of his death, had no 
living child ?’ ’ 

“That has been the general understanding.” 

“Will you explain how the fact of your existence has 
been kept concealed all these years ?’ ’ 

The silence following the attorney’s question was so deep 
as to be oppressive until broken by the answer of the wit- 
ness, clear, cold, and penetrating to the remotest corner 
of the crowded room. 

“ Within an hour from my birth, a dead child was sub- 
stituted in my place, and I was secretly given by my father 
into the keeping of trusted friends, with instructions that 
until I had nearly attained my majority I was not even to 
know of his existence, or of the relationship existing be- 
tween us. ’ ’ 

“Mr. Mainwaring,” said the attorney, “are you willing 
to state the reasons for such an extraordinary proceeding 
on his part ?’ ’ 

For the first time the impassive bearing and the calm, 
even tones of the witness gave way ; the smouldering fire 
in his dark eyes burst forth, as with impassioned utterance 
and voice vibrating with emotion, he replied, — 

“ It was done because of sorrow, more bitter than death, 
in his own heart and home, of which he wished me to know 
nothing until I had reached the years of manhood and could 
understand the nature of his wrongs ; it was done that I 
should be forever barred from all association with, or 
knowledge of, the base, false-hearted woman who bore his 
name only to dishonor it, — who, though she had given me 

238 


OPENING FIRE 


birth, yet believed me dead, — that I might live as ignorant 
of her existence as she of mine ; it was done because of 
his love for his only child, a love for which I would to-day 
gladly suffer dishonor and even death, if I could but avenge 
his wrongs ! ’ ’ 

Only Harold Mainwaring’s attorneys understood the 
spirit which prompted his words, but they carried his audi- 
ence with him in a sudden wave of sympathy, and as he 
paused, men applauded and women sobbed, while the judge 
vainly rapped for order. 

One figure alone remained motionless, spellbound. Amid 
the general excitement, Mrs. LaGrange sat as though turned 
to stone, her hands clasped so tightly that the jewels cut 
deeply into the delicate flesh, every vestige of color fled 
from her face, her lips ashen, her eyes fixed upon the wit- 
ness, yet seemingly seeing nothing. Gradually, as she be- 
came conscious of her surroundings and of the curious 
glances cast in her direction, she partially recovered her- 
self, though her eyes never left the face of the wit- 
ness. 

‘ ‘ Mr. Mainwaring, ’ ’ continued the attorney, when order 
had been restored, ‘‘when and how did you first learn that 
you were the son of Harold Scott Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

“ My first knowledge regarding my own father I received 
at the age of fifteen from my foster-parents, who told me 
of the manner in which I had been given to them and of 
the death of my father a few years later ; but the full par- 
ticulars I did not learn until my twenty-first birthday, when 
I received a letter written by my father soon after my birth, 
and intrusted to the keeping of my foster-parents until I 
should have attained my majority. In that letter he gave 
me the story of his life, of his marriage and consequent 
disinheritance, and of the yet greater sorrow which followed 
shortly, which led him to voluntarily exile himself from his 

239 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


beloved England, and which finally led to his sacrifice of 
the love and companionship of his only child.” 

As Harold Mainwaring paused, Mr. Sutherland remarked, 
** I, myself, have seen the letter to which the witness refers, 
but I consider it of too personal a nature and too private in 
character to submit for examination. I will say, however, 
that both my honored colleague, Mr. Barton, and myself 
have compared it with other letters and documents known 
to have been written by Harold Scott Mainwaring, the elder 
son of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, and have found the 
writing in all cases identically the same. There is yet one 
more question which may have a bearing later upon this 
case, which I will ask the witness. Mr. Mainwaring, have 
you, during this time, received any clue regarding the 
identity of your mother, or is that still unknown to you ?’ ’ 

With great deliberation, the witness replied, ‘‘Until 
within the past three or four days, I have known absolutely 
nothing regarding even the name of the woman whom my 
father made his wife, or whether she were still in existence. 
I have recently learned, however, that she is living, and, ’ ’ 
he added, more slowly, “ I know that she is present in this 
court-room. ’ ’ 

It was afterwards recalled that, as the witness resumed 
his seat, a curious sound, something between a gasp and a 
sob was heard, but amid the tremendous sensation produced 
by his last statement it passed unnoticed. 

With very little delay, Mr. Sutherland announced the 
name of the last witness, — 

“ Frederick Mainwaring Scott !” 

Again the silence deepened as the white-haired gentle- 
man, with great dignity, took his place upon the stand. 
His heavy, sonorous tones rang out over the court-room, 
while from time to time the piercing eyes beneath the 
beetling, snow-white brows sought the face of Ralph Main- 

240 


OPENING FIRE 


waring with their silent but unmistakable challenge. At 
the first sound of his voice, Mrs. LaGrange’s agitation in- 
creased perceptibly ; her expression changed to abject terror, 
yet she seemed unable to move or to withdraw her gaze from 
his face. 

To the question, ‘‘Where were you born?” the witness 
replied, “ I was born in London, but for the past forty-five 
years have been a resident of Melbourne, Australia. ’ ’ 

“Are you not connected with the Mainwaring family?” 

‘ ‘ Distantly. The Scott and Mainwaring families have 
intermarried for many years, but I have waived all claims 
of relationship for nearly half a century.” 

“Were you acquainted with the Harold Scott Mainwar- 
ing mentioned in this will ?’ ’ 

“ Intimately acquainted with him, as we were associated 
together in business during his entire stay in Australia.” 

“ In what business were you engaged?” 

“In the sheep business, principally; we were also in- 
terested in the mines. ’ ’ 

“For how long a time were you associated together?” 

“ Six years, or thereabouts.” 

“Mr. Scott, you are the foster-father of Harold Scott 
Mainwaring who has just preceded you upon the witness 
stand, are you not ?’ ' 

“ I am, and have been from the day of his birth.” 

“Will you state the circumstances under which you be- 
came his foster-parent?” 

“Harold Scott Mainwaring, the elder son of Ralph 
Maxwell Mainwaring, came to Australia within a year after 
the marriage for which he was disinherited. His reason 
for leaving England was not, as many have supposed, on 
account of his father’s severity, but because of the dis- 
covery of his wife’s infidelity after all that he had sacrificed 
for her. He brought her to Australia in the vain hope 
x 6 241 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


that, removed from other influences — the influence of his 
own brother, in particular, — she would yet prove true to 
him. Within the following year, his son was born ; but 
before that event he had fully learned the character of the 
woman he had married, and he determined that no child 
of his should be disgraced by any knowledge of its mother, 
or contaminated by association with her. To my wife and 
myself he confided his plans, and, as we had no children 
of our own, he pledged us to the adoption of his child 
while yet unborn. An old and trusted nurse in our family 
was also taken into the secret, but not the physician em- 
ployed on that occasion, as he was a man of no principle 
and already in league with the false wife against her 
husband. When the child was born, Mrs. Mainwaring 
was very ill and the babe received comparatively little 
notice from the attendant physician. A dead child, born 
but a few hours earlier, was therefore easily substituted for 
the living child of Harold Mainwaring, while the latter 
was secretly conveyed to my own home. 

A few weeks later, the child was privately christened in 
a small church on the outskirts of Melbourne and the event 
duly recorded upon the church records. He was given his 
father’s name in full, Harold Scott Mainwaring, but until 
his twenty-first birthday was known among our acquaint- 
ances as Harry Scott, the same name by which he has been 
known in your city while acting as private secretary to 
Hugh Mainwaring.” 

‘‘Are you familiar with the letter written by Harold 
Mainwaring to his son ?’ ’ 

“ Perfectly so; he gave it into my keeping on the day 
of the christening, to be given to his son when he should 
have reached his majority, if he himself had not, before 
that time, claimed him as his child. ’ ’ 

“You can then vouch for its genuineness?” 

242 


OPENING FIRE 


‘a can.’* 

How long a time elapsed between the birth of this 
child and the death of Harold Mainwaring, the father ?’ ’ 
‘'About five years. He left his wife soon after the 
birth of this child and spent the greater part of his time 
at the mines. He finally decided to go to the gold fields 
of Africa, and a few months after his departure, we re- 
ceived tidings of the wreck of the vessel in which he 
sailed, with the particulars of his death at sea. ’ ’ 

“ Mr. Scott, did you ever hear of the existence of this 
will ?” 

“Not until the boy, Harold, learned of it, soon after 
he entered Oxford.” 

“ Do you know how he first heard of it?” 

“ He heard of it from Wilson, one of the old servants 
on the Mainwaring estate, who recognized in him a re- 
semblance to Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, and, learning 
of his identity, told him the history of the will. ’ ’ 

“You have been kept informed of his search for the 
will and of its final discovery ?’ ’ 

“From the first; and though the boy has a good bit 
of money in his own name, I will back him in getting his 
rights to the very last pound in my possession, and that,” 
he added, while his dark eyes flashed ominously, “will 
outlast the bank-roll of any that can go against him.” 

“Have you any further direct evidence which you 
can produce in support of the identity of the claimant ?’ ’ 
“I have,” the witness replied, and having taken from 
his pocket a large memorandum book and extracted there- 
from a paper, he continued, with great deliberation, — 

“I have here a certified copy of the record of the 
christening, at the church of St. Bartholomew, on June 
24, 18 — , of Harold Scott Mainwaring, the first-born 
son of Harold Scott and Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring.” 
243 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


A piercing shriek suddenly rang out through the hushed 
court-room, and the crowd, turning involuntarily at the 
familiar name of Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring towards 
the seat occupied by Mrs. LaGrange, saw that wretched 
woman sink, with a low, despairing moan, unconscious to 
the floor. As several sprang to the assistance of the un- 
fortunate woman, Mr. Scott, turning swiftly towards the 
judge, exclaimed, — 

‘‘There, your honor, is a most unwilling witness, but 
one who has very effectively confirmed my testimony !’* 
The greatest confusion followed, several women having 
fainted from nervous excitement, and, as it was then nearly 
noon, the court adjourned imtil the afternoon session. 


CHAPTER XXI 


THE LAST THROW 

There being no further testimony in the case, but little 
time was occupied by Mr. Sutherland at the afternoon ses- 
sion. Briefly and forcibly he summarized the evidence 
already adduced, emphasizing the strongest points and 
closing with numerous citations bearing upon the case 
taken from recent decisions of the highest legal author- 
ities. 

Several days would be required for consideration of the 
case pending the decision of the court, and as the crowd 
surged out into the corridors and diffused itself through 
the various exits, there was much speculation as to what 
that decision would be and what would be the action taken 
by the opponents. Among the clubmen who had made 
the acquaintance of Ralph Mainwaring, heavy bets were 
offered that he would contest the case before the will was 
even admitted to probate. 

He is a fool if he does,” said one ; ** the young fellow 
has the best show. ’ * 

‘‘He’ll not give up, however,” was the reply; “he’s 
got too much of the bull-dog about him; nothing will 
make him break his hold till he has spent his last shil- 
ling.” 

“Well, he’ll spend it for nothing, that’s all!” said 
another. “I’ll wager you a dinner for the whole club 
that the young fellow will beat him. Anybody that knows 
Sutherland, knows he hasn’t played his trump card yet; 
and you may rest assured that English lawyer isn’t over 
here as a figure-head !” 


245 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Ralph Mainwaring, passing hastily from the court-room, 
accompanied by Mr. Whitney, overheard the last remark. 
His only reply, however, was a look of scorn flashed at the 
speaker, but the sardonic smile which lingered about his 
closely compressed lips betokened on his part no anticipa- 
tions of defeat, but rather the reverse. Even Mr. Whitney 
wondered at his silence, but young Mainwaring, leisurely 
following in the rear, knew it to be only the calm which 
presages the coming storm. 

His father, followed by the attorney, stepped quickly 
into the Mainwaring carriage and beckoned impatiently for 
him to follow, but the younger man coolly declined the in- 
vitation. 

*‘No, thank you, governor. I’m going for a bit of a 
stroll ; I’ll join you and Mr. Whitney at dinner.” 

As the carriage rolled away he stood for a few moments 
lost in thought. His father’s words to him that morning 
had stung his pride and aroused in him a spirit of indepen- 
dence altogether new, which had made him the more keen 
in observing his father’s expressions and movements, and 
in drawing his own deductions therefrom. He had formed 
some theories of his own, and as he now stood in the soft, 
autumnal sunshine, he resolved to put them to the test. 

Turning suddenly in an opposite direction from that 
which he had at first taken, he found himself confronted 
by Harold Mainwaring and his party as they descended 
the court-house steps to the carriages in waiting. 

Instantly the young men clasped hands, and the frank, 
blue eyes gazed into the piercing dark ones, with a friend- 
liness of whose sincerity there could be no doubt. 

‘‘Egad, old fellow !” he exclaimed, in low tones, “I’m 
glad to see you, though you have taken us rather by sur- 
prise. I’ll not take back a word of the promise I made 
you, nor of what I’ve said about you, either.” 

246 


THE LAST THROW 


‘‘I did not think you would, Hugh,” Harold replied, 
grasping the proffered hand heartily ; ^ ‘ I had a great deal 
of faith in you and in your word. I only regretted that I 
could not explain matters at the time ; it seemed like taking 
advantage of you and your friendship, though I warned you 
that the future might make some unexpected revela- 
tions. ’ ’ 

Well, I don’t regret anything. I always said you had 
good blood in you, don’t you know,” Hugh continued, 
with a boyish laugh, then added, a little huskily, I’ll say 
this much, and I mean it. I would rather give up what I 
supposed was mine to you than to anybody else that I 
know of. ’ ’ 

* ‘ Thank you, Hugh ; I appreciate that, I assure you. 
Come around to the Waldorf, I would like to have a talk 
with you.” 

‘^Indeed I will. Of course, I suppose it would be of 
no use to ask you up to the house ; I couldn’t expect you to 
come, but I’ll see you as soon as I can,” and with another 
handclasp the young men parted. 

On arriving at the Waldorf, a note was handed to Harold 
Mainwaring, with the information that the bearer had been 
waiting nearly an hour, as there was an answer expected. 
He well knew the writing ; it was the same as that of the 
little missive given him on the first day of the inquest, and 
with darkening face he opened it and read the following 
lines : 

I must see you at once, and I beg of you to come to 
my apartments this afternoon at five o’clock, without fail. 
In the name of mercy, do not deny me this one favor. I 
can tell you something important for you to know, of which 
you little dream. 

Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring.” 

247 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


After brief consultation with his attorneys, an answer 
was sent to the effect that he would call in compliance with 
the request, and a little later he started upon his strange 
errand. 

With what wildly conflicting emotions Mrs. LaGrange 
in her apartments awaited his coming may perhaps be more 
easily imagined than portrayed. She had not recovered 
from the morning’s shock, but was nerving herself for the 
coming ordeal; preparing to make her final, desperate 
throw in the game of life. Success now, in this last ven- 
ture, would mean everything to her, while failure would 
leave her nothing, only blank despair. Pride, the domi- 
nant passion of her life, struggled with a newly awakened 
love ; doubt and dread and fear battled with hope, but even 
in the unequal contest, hope would not be vanquished. 

Shortly before the hour appointed, Richard Hobson’s 
card was handed her with the information that he must see 
her without delay. She understood the nature of his errand ; 
she knew his coming was inevitable ; her only desire was 
to postpone the meeting with him until after the interview 
with Harold Mainwaring, but on no account would she have 
him know of her appointment with the latter. She tore 
the bit of pasteboard in two. 

‘‘Tell him to call to-morrow,” she said to the mes- 
senger ; but he soon returned, with another card on which 
was written, — 

‘ ‘ Important ! must see you to-day. ’ ’ 

It was nearly five. Quickly, with fingers trembling 
from her anxiety lest he delay too long, she wrote, — 

“Call at eight o’clock this evening; I can see no one 
earlier. ’ ’ 

As she gave the card to the messenger, she glanced again 
at the little French clock on the mantel. 

“ Three hours,” she murmured ; “ three hours in which 
248 


THE LAST THROW 


to decide my fate 1 If I succeed, I can bid defiance to 

that craven when he shall come to-night ; if not ’ ’ she 

shuddered and walked over to the window, where she 
watched eagerly till she saw the cringing figure going 
hastily down the street. 

He had but just disappeared around the comer of the block 
when a closed carriage was driven rapidly to the hotel, and 
a moment later Harold Scott Mainwaring was announced. 

Her heart throbbed wildly as she turned to meet him, 
then suddenly stopped, seeming a dead weight in her 
breast, as her eyes met his. 

For a moment neither spoke ; once her lips moved, but 
no sound came from them. Before that face, hard and 
impassive as granite, and as cold, the impulse which she 
had felt to throw herself at his feet and plead for mercy 
and for love died within her; her tongue seemed para- 
lyzed, powerless to utter a word, and the words she would 
have spoken fled from her brain. 

With swift observation he noted the terrible change 
which the last weeks, and especially the last few hours, had 
wrought in the wretched woman before him, and the suf- 
fering, evidenced by her deathly pallor, her trembling 
agitation, and the look of dumb, almost hopeless pleading 
in her eyes, appealed to him far more than any words 
could have done. 

He was the first to speak, and though there was no soft- 
ening of the stern features, yet his tones were gentle, 
almost pitying, as he said, — 

I have come as you requested. Why did you send for 
me ? What have you to say ?’ ’ 

At the sound of his voice she seemed somewhat reassured, 
and advancing a few steps towards him, she repeated his 
words, — 

Why did I send for you? Why should I not send for 
249 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

you? Think you a mother would have no desire to see her 
own son after long years of cruel separation from him ?’ ’ 

There is no need to call up the past,” he said, more 
coldly; ‘Hhe separation to which you refer was, under 
existing circumstances, the best for all concerned. It un- 
doubtedly caused suffering, but you were not the sufferer ; 
there could be no great depth of maternal love where there 
was neither love nor loyalty as a wife.” 

Her dark eyes grew tender and luminous as she fixed 
them upon his face, while she beckoned him to a seat and 
seated herself near and facing him. 

You forget,” she replied, in the low, rich tones he had 
so often heard at Fair Oaks ; you forget that a mother’s 
love is instinctive, born within her with the birth of her 
child, while a wife’s love must be won. I must recall the 
past to you, and you must listen ; ’ twas for this I sent for 
you, that you, knowing the past, might know that, however 
deeply I may have sinned, I have been far more deeply 
sinned against. ’ ’ 

Not as regards my father,” he interposed, quickly, as 
she paused to note the effect of her words ; he sacrificed 
fortune, home, friends, everything for you, and you re- 
warded his love and devotion only with the basest infi- 
delity. ’ ’ 

‘‘That your father loved me, I admit,” she continued, 
in the same low, musical tones, scarcely heeding his words ; 
“ but, as I said a moment ago, a wife’s love must be won, 
and he failed to win my love. ’ ’ 

“Was his treacherous brother so much more successful 
then in that direction than he?” Harold questioned, 
sternly. “AVithinsix months after your marriage to my 
father, you admitted that you married him only that you 
might have Hugh Mainwaring for your lover.” 

She neither flushed nor quailed under the burning in- 
259 


THE LAST THROW 


dignation of his gaze, but her eyes were fastened upon 
him intently as the eyes of the charmer upon his victim. 

‘‘Half truths are ever harder to refute than falsehood,’^ 
she replied, softly. “ I said that once under great provo- 
cation, but if I sought to make Hugh Mainwaring my 
lover, it was not that I loved him, but through revenge for 
his having trifled with me only to deceive and desert me. 
Before I married your father, both he and his brother were 
among my most ardent admirers. The younger brother 
seemed to me far more congenial, and had he possessed 
one-half the chivalry and devotion which the elder brother 
afterwards manifested, he would have completely won my 
love. The rivalry between the two brothers led to bitter 
estrangement, which soon became known to their father, 
who lost no time in ascertaining its cause. His anger on 
learning the facts in the case was extreme ; he wrote me 
an insulting letter, and threatened to disown either or both 
of his sons unless they discontinued their attentions to 
a ‘disreputable adventuress,’ as he chose to style me. 
Hugh Mainwaring at once deserted me, without even a 
word of explanation or of farewell, and, as if that were 
not enough, on more than one occasion he openly insulted 
me in the presence of his father, on the streets of London. 
I realized then for the first time that I cared for him, 
coward that he was, though I did not love him as he 
thought, — had I loved him, I would have killed him, then 
and there. Mad with chagrin and rage, I married your 
father, partly for the position he could give me — for I did 
not believe that he, the elder son and his father’s favor- 
ite, would be disowned — and partly to show his brother and 
their father that I still held, as I supposed, the winning 
hand. On my wedding-day I vowed that I would yet 
bring Hugh Mainwaring to my feet as my lover, and when, 
shortly afterwards, your father was disinherited in his favor, 

251 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


my desire for revenge was only intensified. I redoubled 
my efforts to win him, and I found it no difficult task ; he 
was even more willing to play the lover to his brother’s 
wife than to the penniless girl whom he had known, with 
no possessions but her beauty and wit. At first, our meet- 
ings were clandestine ; but we soon grew reckless, and in 
one or two instances I openly boasted of my conquest, 
hoping thereby to arouse his father’s displeasure against 
him also. But in that I reckoned wrong. He disinherited 
and disowned his son for having honorably married a 
woman whom he considered below him in station, but for 
an open afii/re am^ur with that son’s wife, he had not 
even a word of censure. 

Your father discovered the situation and decided upon a 
life in Australia. If he had then shown me some consider- 
ation, the future might have been vastly different ; but he 
grew morose and taciturn, and I, accustomed to gay society 
and the admiration of crowds, was left to mope alone in a 
strange country, with no companionship whatever. What 
wonder that I hungered for the old life, or that a casual 
admiring glance, or a few words even of flattery, were like 
cold water to one perishing with thirst ! Then new hope 
came into my lonely life, and I spent months in dreamy, 
happy anticipations of the future love and companionship 
of my child. But even that boon was denied me. It was 
hard enough, believing, as I did, that my child had died, 
but to find that I was robbed of that which would have 
been not only my joy and happiness, but my salvation 
from the life which followed ! ’ ’ She paused, apparently 
unable to proceed, and buried her eyes in a dainty hand- 
kerchief, while Harold Mainwaring watched her, the hard 
lines deepening about his mouth. 

‘‘After that,” she resumed, in trembling tones, “all 
hope was gone. Your father deserted me soon afterwards, 
252 


THE LAST THROW 


leaving me nearly penniless, and a few years later I re- 
turned to England.” 

‘‘To find Hugh Mainwaring ?” he queried. 

“ Not at the first,” she answered, but her eyes fell before 
the cynicism of his glance. ‘ ‘ I had no thought of him 
then, but I learned through Richard Hobson, whom I met 
in London at that time, of the will which had been made 
in my husband’s favor, but which he told me had been 
destroyed by Hugh Mainwaring. He said nothing of the 
clause forbidding that any of the property should pass to 
me, and I immediately sailed for America in search of 
Hugh Mainwaring, believing that, with my knowledge of 
the will, I, as his brother’s widow, could get some hold 
upon him by which I could compel him either to share the 
property with me or to marry me. ’ ’ 

“Then you were not married to Hugh Mainwaring in 
England, as you testified at the inquest ?’ ’ 

“ No,” she replied, passionately ; “ I was never married 
to him. I have made many men my dupes and slaves, 
but he was the one man who made a dupe of me, and I 
hating him all the time ! ’ ’ 

“And Walter !” he exclaimed, “ you stated that he was 
the son of Hugh Mainwaring.” 

“He is Hugh Mainwaring’s son and mine,” she an- 
swered, with bitter emphasis; “that was another of my 
schemes which failed. I found I had little hold upon 
Hugh Mainwaring, while he had the same power over me 
as in the days before I had learned to despise him. When 
Walter was bom, I hoped he would then fulfil his promises 
of marriage ; but instead, he would have turned me adrift 
had I not threatened that I would then disclose everything 
which I knew concerning the will. He sneered at me, but 
offered me a place as servant in his home, and support and 
education for his child on condition that the relationship 

253 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


should never be known, and that I would remain silent re- 
garding the will. I could do nothing then but accept his 
conditions, but they were galling, — too galling at last to 
be longer endured ! ’ ’ 

How is it that you and Walter bear the name of La- 
Grange?” he asked. 

She hesitated a moment, then replied : ^ ‘ I married a 
man by that name soon after leaving Australia. ’ ’ 

** Before or after the tidings of my father’s death?” he 
questioned, sternly. 

‘‘We heard the news of his death soon after our mar- 
riage, but he had deserted me years before, so it made 
little difference. I met Captain LaGrange in Sydney, and 
we sailed together for Paris and were married there, but 
we soon grew tired of each other. I left him in about 
two years and went to Vienna, and from there returned to 
England. In some way, Hugh Mainwaring learned of the 
marriage, and when I came to Fair Oaks, he insisted on 
my taking that name for myself and child.” 

She spoke wearily and with an air of dejection, for it 
was plainly evident that Harold Mainwaring was not to be 
deceived by misstatements, however plausible, nor were 
his sympathies to be aroused by simulated grief. A few 
moments of silence followed, while she watched him in- 
tently, her face again falling into the pinched and haggard 
outlines which he had observed on entering the room. 

When he at last spoke, his voice was calm, without a 
trace of anger or bitterness. 

‘ ‘ Mrs. LaGrange, I have been informed that in the days 
before you ruined my father’s life you were an actress in a 
second-class London playhouse, and I see you have not 
yet lost some little tricks of the stage ; but we are not now 
before the footlights, and it will be much better to lay asidn 
everything pertaining to them. Nothing that you have 

254 


THE LAST THROW 


said has awakened my pity or touched my sympathies for 
you ; in fact, what you have told me has only steeled my 
heart against you because of its utter falsity. It is un- 
necessary to go over the ground again, but if you could 
not reciprocate the love and devotion bestowed upon you 
by my father, you should never have accepted it; but 
accepting it as you "^did, you were bound by every con- 
sideration to be true and loyal to that love and to him. 
Instead, from beginning to end, you have been false to 
him, false to his memory, false to your own wifehood and 
motherhood, false to yourself ! I have not come here to 
reproach you, however. I will only say that I do not 
believe the capacity — the capability even — of love exists, or 
has ever existed, within you. But,” he continued, in gentler 
tones, the capacity for suffering does exist, and I can 
see without any simulation on your part that you have 
suffered. ’ ’ 

Before the look of pity which now for the first time 
softened the stern features, she broke down, and genuine 
tears coursed down her pallid cheeks as she cried, Suf- 
fered ! what have I not suffered ! I am homeless, penni- 
less, degraded, an outcast ! There is no hope, no help for 
me unless you will help me. I know what you must think 
of me, how even you, my son, must despise me, but as a 
drowning man catches at a straw, I sent for you, hoping 
that you would in mercy pity me and help me. ’ ’ 

‘‘Do you wish me to help you pecuniarily? I will 
willingly do that.” 

“ Pecuniarily !” she exclaimed, almost in scorn. “ Can- 
not you understand what I need most ? It is pity, sym- 
pathy, love ! I want the love and support of my first-born 
son, and I am willing to beg for it,” and, rising from her 
chair, she threw herself upon her knees beside him, “only 
be my son, forget the past and let me be to you, as I am, 

255 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


your mother! No, let me be!” she exclaimed, as he 
would have raised her from her kneeling posture. ‘‘I 
have no son but you, for Walter, like his father, has de- 
serted me, with taunts and sneers. I can help you, too,” 
she added, eagerly, but in low tones, ‘‘ help you in a way 
of which you little dream. Do you know what Ralph 
Mainwaring will attempt next ? He will try to implicate 
you in the murder of Hugh Mainwaring ! ’ ’ 

‘^That will be no more than you yourself attempted at 
the inquest,” he answered. 

‘‘Ah, but his motive is different; in my case it was 
but the resort of a weak woman to divert suspicion from 
herself ; but he will seek to fasten this crime upon you 
to defeat you, to crush and ruin you, because he fears 
you as his opponent, and it is within my power to clear 
you from any charges he may bring against you. ’ ’ 

Her voice sank nearly to a whisper, her eyes were dilated, 
and she was trembling with excitement. 

He watched her intently for a moment, then spoke in a 
tone of calm command. “Tell me how you could help 
me. What do you know of that affair ?’ * 

“ Listen, and I will tell you,” and leaning towards him, 
she whispered a few words in his ears. 

Only a few words, but Harold Mainwaring started as 
from a shock, while his face grew as pale as her own, and 
it was with difficulty he could control his voice, as he de- 
manded in quick, excited tones, — 

“ Do you know what you are saying? Are you speak- 
ing the truth ?’ ’ 

“Yes, before Heaven, it is the truth, and the horror of 
it has haunted me day and night ; the thought of it has 
driven me nearly mad, but I dared not breathe it to any 
living human being. ’ ’ 

“ You have told no one else what you have just told me?” 

256 


THE LAST THROW 


“ No, I dared not.’* 

He asked a few more questions which she answered, and 
from her manner he was convinced that she spoke the 
truth. Then he sat for a moment silent, his head bowed, 
his eyes covered, lost in thought, while strangely com- 
mingled emotions surged within his breast. 

At last she broke the silence. It will help you — what 
I have told you — will it not ?’ ’ 

It is of inestimable value to me,” he answered, but 
instead of exultation, there was a strange sadness in his voice. 

** You will let me help you, and you will be a son to me, 
will you not ?’ ’ 

He looked at her with an expression of mingled pity 
and bitterness, and then, without replying, lifted her gently 
but firmly and reseated her, while he himself remained 
standing at a little distance. She watched him anxiously. 

‘^Harold,” at last she ventured, ‘‘think what I have 
suffered, and do not refuse my one prayer.” 

“ I can see that you have suffered, ’ ’ he answered, gently ; 
“ and, as I have told you, I will help you pecuniarily and 
will befriend you, only do not ask me that which I cannot 
give.” 

“I ask nothing more,” she exclaimed, passionately, 
rising to her feet, “ than that you be a son to me, and I 
will accept nothing less. ’ ’ 

“I am sorry to hear you say that,” he replied, “for 
you are only unnecessarily depriving yourself of many 
benefits that might be yours. I would provide a home for 
you where you would be unknown, and means that you 
could spend the remainder of your life in comfort. ’ ’ 

“What would I care for any home or wealth that you 
might provide for me,” she demanded, angrily, “if you 
yourself would not acknowledge me as your mother ! I 
will accept nothing from you under such conditions.” 

257 


17 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Then we may as well end this conference,” he replied, 
calmly, for I hold my father in too deep love and rever- 
ence ever to permit of my applying to you the sacred name 
of ‘Mother.’ ” 

Her eyes flashed at the mention of his father, and she 
was about to speak, but he lifted his hand warningly. 
“ Hush !” he commanded ; “ not one word shall you speak 
against him in my presence ! Before I go, I will give you 
an opportunity to reconsider your declaration of a moment 
ago.” 

“I will not reconsider it. You are like every Main- 
waring that I have ever known, in that you think money 
and shelter, such as you might fling at some superannuated 
servant, will take the place of the true position and honor 
that are my due. ’ ’ 

“ Do you then, finally and once for all, refuse any and 
all offers of assistance from me ?’ ’ he asked. 

“I do,” she replied, proudly; “I will not accept 
charity from a Main waring, — not even from you !” 

“Very well ; if that is your decision, I bid you adieu,” 
and before she could reply, he was gone. 

He passed swiftly down the corridor, his head bowed 
slightly, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left, 
but his step had an elasticity it had not possessed in weeks, 
and any one passing near him would have heard the single 
exclamation, “Thank God !” 

Upon reaching his carriage, he spoke quickly to the 
driver, “To the Waldorf at once !” and was borne away 
by the impatient steeds even more swiftly than he had 
come. 

Meanwhile, within the room which he had just left, the 
wretched woman, whose falseness and pride had wrought 
her own undoing, stood listening to the retreating foot- 
steps ; she heard them die away in the distance, heard the 
258 


THE LAST THROW 


carriage-wheels roll rapidly down the avenue, then sank 
upon a low couch with a cry of despair. 

‘‘All is over,” she moaned, “and I have failed. I 
could not force him to my terms, and I would never yield 
to his. I will take charity from no one, least of all from 
him. I will be first, or — nothing!” and she shivered 
faintly. 

After a time she arose, and ringing for her maid, ordered 
a light repast brought to her room, as she would not go 
down to dinner ; ‘ ‘ And, ’ ’ she concluded, ‘ ‘ you can have 
the evening to yourself : I expect callers, and will not need 
you. ’ ’ 

An hour later, Richard Hobson crept along the corridor 
and tapped for admittance. There was no answer, and 
cautiously pushing open the door, he entered unbidden, 
but started back in horror at the sight which met his eyes. 

The electric lights had not been turned on, but a few 
tall wax tapers, in a pair of candelebra upon the mantel, 
were burning, and in the dim, weird light, Mrs. LaGrange, 
still elegantly attired for her interview with Harold Main- 
waring, lay upon the low couch near the grate, her features 
scarcely paler than a few hours before, but now rigid in 
death. Upon the table beside her, the supper ordered by 
the maid stood untasted, while on the same table a small 
vial bearing the label of one of the deadliest of poisons, 
but empty, told the story. Underneath the vial was a slip 
of paper, on which was written, — 

‘ ‘ I have staked my highest card — and lost ! The game is 
done. ’ ’ 

Terror-stricken, Hobson glanced about him, then pausing 
only long enough to clutch some of the gleaming jewels 
from the inanimate form, he stealthily withdrew, and, 
skulking unobserved along the corridors, passed out into 
the darkness and was gone. 


259 


CHAPTER XXII 


SECESSION IN THE RANKS 

When Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Whitney arrived at 
the club they found young Mainwaring already awaiting 
them at their private table, but it was far from a social 
group which sat down to dinner that evening. The elder 
Mainwaring still preserved an ominous silence, and in his 
dark, glowering face few would have recognized the urbane 
guest whom Hugh Mainwaring had introduced to his small 
coterie of friends less than three months before. The 
younger man, though holding a desultory conversation with 
the attorney, yet looked decidedly bored, while from time 
to time he regarded his father with a cynical expression en- 
tirely new to his hitherto ingenuous face. Mr. Whitney, 
always keenly alert to his surroundings, became quickly 
conscious of a sudden lack of harmony between father and 
son, and feeling himself in rather a delicate position, care- 
fully refrained in his remarks from touching upon any but 
the most neutral ground. 

A couple of hours later, as the three with a box of cigars 
were gathered around an open fire in Ralph Mainwaring’ s 
apartments, it was noticeable that young Mainwaring was 
unusually silent. In a few moments, however, his father’s 
long pent-up wrath burst forth. 

Addressing the attorney in no very pleasant tone, he 
demanded, ‘‘Well, sir, what do you now propose to do 
about this matter ?’ ’ 

“It is to be a fight, then, is it?’’ Mr. Whitney asked 
with a smile, knocking the ashes from his cigar. 

“Yes, by my soul, and a fight to the finish. Under- 
260 


SECESSION IN THE RANKS 


stand, I will have no time lost. This farce has got to be 
quashed at once, and the sooner the better, so you may 
enter protest and file an application for hearing, or what- 
ever your mode of procedure is in this country, at the 
earliest possible moment. Meanwhile, I’ll secure the best 
legal talent that money can get to help you. I’ve a longer 
purse than that old Australian sheep-herder thinks, and 
when the time for contest comes. I’ll meet him on his own 
ground.” 

** If you are going to employ additional counsel,” inter- 
posed Mr. Whitney, ‘‘allow me to suggest the name of P. 
B. Hunnewell, of this city ; he is one of the ablest attorneys 
in the United States, particularly in matters of this kind. 
His fees are somewhat exorbitant, but money is no object 
with you in this case.” 

“None whatever,” the other interrupted, impatiently; 
“we will retain this Hunnewell upon your recommenda- 
tion, but in the morning I shall cable for Upham & Black- 
well, of London. They rank right in the same line with 
Barton & Barton ; they have conducted considerable busi- 
ness for me, and I am satisfied, ’ ’ he added, with peculiar 
emphasis, “they could not be tampered with or bought 
at any price. I shall also cable for Graham, the expert on 
chirography and on all kinds of forgeries, and we will have 
his decision upon that will. I am going, first of all, un- 
derstand, to have that document proven a forgery. That 
done, the whole fabrication of this cunning impostor falls 
to the ground, and then, when I have him completely 
floored in that direction, he will find that I have only just 
begun with him. ’ ’ 

“ How is that?” questioned the attorney. “ You surely 
do not intend to dispute his identity after the unmistakable 
proofs submitted ?’ ’ 

“I care nothing about his identity,” Mainwaring re- 
261 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


torted, with a sneer. Whether he is the son of Harold 
Mainwaring or of Frederick Scott, matters little; both 
were renegades and outcasts from their homes. No, sir,’^ 
and there was a ring of exultation in his tone, while his 
steel-gray eyes glittered, I have a surprise in store for the 
young man ; when he gets through with this contest, he 
will find himself under arrest as the murderer of Hugh 
Mainwaring. ’ 

Young Mainwaring rose suddenly and began pacing the 
room, while Mr. Whitney exclaimed, — 

^‘Mr. Mainwaring, you astonish me ! I certainly fail 
to see how you can connect the young man with that terri- 
ble affair.” 

‘‘What else could be expected of a man who acknowl- 
edges that for years he has been dogging the steps of Hugh 
Mainwaring and acting the part of a spy, not only in his 
private offices, but even in his own home, stooping to any 
njeans, no matter how contemptible, to further his nefarious 
designs? Would such a man, when his schemes were 
finally matured, have any scruples about taking the life of 
the one who stood in the way of their fulfilment ?’ ’ 

“ But, sir,” protested the attorney, “such a deed would 
be wholly unnecessary. Admitting all that you have said 
regarding the means employed by him, would it not be 
much more reasonable to suppose that he would attempt to 
bring his man to terms either through a personal interview 
or by bringing suit against him, rather than by resorting 
to brutal crime ?’ ’ 

“And supposing he did have a personal interview for 
the purpose of setting forth his claims, do you think that 
Hugh Mainwaring would be bamboozled by any of his 
cheap trickery ? No, sir, not for one moment. He would 
simply pronounce the whole thing a sham. Well, sir, if 
you will recall some of the testimony at the inquest, you 
262 


SECESSION IN THE RANKS 


will see that is precisely what occurred. Hugh Main- 
waring, within twenty or thirty minutes preceding his 
death, was heard to denounce some one as a liar’ and an 
‘impostor.’ An ‘impostor,’ mark you ! Very applicable 
to the case we are now supposing. And in the alterca- 
tion which followed, the other party called him a ‘ thief, ’ 
and made some allusion — I do not recall the exact words — 
to his being ‘ transported to the wilds of Australia. ’ Now, 
sir, there is no doubt in the mind of any sane man that 
those words were spoken by the murderer of Hugh Main- 
waring, and I think now we have a pretty good clue to his 
identity. ’ ’ 

“But the young man stated emphatically this morning 
that he made no mention of the will to Hugh Main- 
waring. ’ ’ 

“To the devil with his statements ! There is evidence 
enough against him that he will be ruined when I get 
through with him. He has dared to try to thwart me in 
the plans of a lifetime, and I’ll make it the worst piece 
of business he ever undertook. Understand, I want you 
to institute proceedings against him at once ! ’ ’ 

“Governor,’’ said young Mainwaring, quietly, before 
Mr. Whitney could respond to this tirade, “ in who^e 
name will these proceedings be instituted, yours or mine?” 

“Well,” replied his father, with a sneer, “I don’t 
know that it makes any particular difference to you in 
whose name it is done, so long as it is for your benefit.” 

“Begging your pardon, sir, I believe it does make con- 
siderable difference. And I will say right here that I will 
have no proceedings entered, either in my name or for my 
benefit, for two reasons: first, Harold Scott Mainwaring 
is no impostor ; we had abundant proof to-day that, under 
the terms of that will, he is the sole claimant to the prop- 
erty ; and second, you know, sir, as well as I, that years 

263 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


ago, your own servant, John Wilson, told you that such 
a will had existed, and there is every ground for believing 
that this document is genuine. I just begin to understand 
your little game, governor, and, by Jove ! I will not be a 
party to it. ’ ’ 

Up to this point, astonishment at his son’s audacity 
seemed to have bereft Ralph Mainwaring of the power of 
speech, but now he demanded in thunderous tones, while 
his face grew purple with rage, “ What do you mean, sir, 
by daring to address such language to me ? You impudent 
upstart ! let me tell you that you had best attend to your 
own business ! ’ ’ 

‘‘This is the second time you have told me that to- 
day,” said the young man, calmly, though the hot blood 
was fast rising; “allow me to inform you, governor, with 
all due respect, that henceforth I will attend to my own 
business, and will not trouble you to attend to it for me. 
If you had any just or tenable grounds for the proceedings 
you are about to institute, I would have nothing to say ; 
but, begging your pardon, you have none whatever ; it is 
simply a piece of dirty work with which I will have noth- 
ing to do.” 

“You ungrateful dog ! This is your return for my care 
and forethought for you, is it ? Do you retract every word 
which you have said, or I’ll cut you olf without a penny,” 
and with a fearful oath he swung himself around in his 
chair with such violence as to overturn the small onyx 
table upon which the cigars were standing, shattering it 
to fragments. 

The young man paused directly in front of his father. 
“I retract nothing,” he said, quietly but firmly. “You 
are at liberty to follow the example of old Ralph Maxwell 
Mainwaring if you wish, but you may regret it later, as he 
did.” 


264 


SECESSION IN THE RANKS 


And do you think Edith Thornton will marry a penni- 
less beggar, a pauper ? Or do you propose to live upon 
her fortune ?’ ’ 

‘‘No; I will not touch a penny of her fortune,” he 
replied, his cheek flushing; “and I am not quite a pauper, 
for I have the money left me by Uncle Tom years ago ; 
and if Edith is the girl to be turned from me under 
the circumstances, why, the sooner I find it out the 
better.” 

‘ ‘ A paltry twenty thousand pounds ! a fine fortune ! ’ * 
sneered his father, ignoring his last remark. 

‘ ‘ Many a fortune has been made from a much smaller 
start ; but it is useless to waste words further. You under- 
stand my position, and that is enough. Mr. Whitney,” 
he continued, addressing the attorney, “according to the 
terms of Hugh Mainwaring’s will, I, and not my father, 
am heir to the property, and therefore the one to con- 
test the claim of Harold Mainwaring if it is contested 
at all. I wish to state to you here and now, distinctly, 
that I will not contest the case, nor will I authorize any 
one to do so for me ; and now, gentlemen, I bid you 
both good-evening !” and he quietly left the room. 

“ Zounds !” exclaimed the elder man, as the door closed 
upon his son, “I didn’t suppose the boy had so much 
spirit ! I’ve often wished he and Isabel could change 
places, because she was so much more like myself, and 
what I would like a son to be. ’ ’ 

“He has the Mainwaring blood all right,” replied the 
attorney, with more inward admiration for the young man 
than he dared to express. 

“ Not if he will throw away a fortune in this manner ; 
it is probably some boyish whim, however, and the young 
fool will look at it in a different light to-morrow.” 

“I think not, Mr. Mainwaring,” said the attorney, 
265 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

quietly; is enough like Hugh Mainwaring, and like 

yourself, that when he decides upon a certain line of ac- 
tion, he will not be easily turned aside. You may rest 
assured that he will have nothing whatever to do with this 
contest, and that if you wish to carry on the fight, you will 
have to do so under your own colors.” 

‘‘I’ll do it, too,” he replied, fiercely ; “I’ll enter pro- 
ceedings in my own name, as the nearest heir after Hugh 
Mainwaring. ’ ’ 

“ In that case, your brother must be notified, as he will 
be entitled to share the estate with you ; that may cause 
us some little delay, but ’ ’ 

“ Curse it all !” the other interrupted, angrily ; “I had 
not thought of that ; he will have to come in for a share ; 
confound that boy’s foolishness ! I’ll get hold of him to- 
morrow morning and see if I cannot talk some reason into 
him,” and Ralph Mainwaring relapsed into sullen silence. 
It was a new experience for him to meet with opposition in 
his own family, least of all from his son, and he felt the 
first step must be to quell it, though decidedly at loss just 
how to proceed. 

A little later, Mr. Whitney, finding his client disinclined 
to further conversation, after making an appointment for 
the next morning, excused himself and took his departure 
for his own apartments at the club. 

As he passed down the stairway into the spacious hall, 
what was his surprise to see Mr. Merrick comfortably en- 
sconced in a large leather chair, reading the evening papers. 

The two men shook hands warmly, and together passed 
out into the cool, starlit night. 

“When did you arrive, Merrick? and from what point 
of the compass ?’ ’ inquired the attorney. 

“Got in on the 9.30 train,” the detective replied, 
seeming not to have heard the second question ; “ learned 
266 


SECESSION IN THE RANKS 


you were at Mainwaring’s, so I stopped in, but told the 
butler not to disturb you, as I was in no hurry.” 

I noticed you were looking over the evening papers, 
did you read the account of this morning’s proceedings in 
court ?’ ’ 

‘a did.” 

** What do you think of them ?’ ’ 

I am not in the least surprised.” 

** Not surprised !” echoed the attorney. ** Do you mean 
to say that the reappearance of the missing secretary as the 
heir to the Mainwaring estate is no surprise to you ?’ ’ 
‘^None whatever,” Merrick replied, with the most ex- 
asperating coolness, adding, as he noted the other’s in- 
credulous smile, ‘‘you may recall a hint given you at Fair 
Oaks, one evening, of the possible existence of claimants, 
perhaps not far distant, whose rights superseded those of 
Hugh Mainwaring himself. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney started involuntarily as the detective’s 
words of a few weeks before were thus recalled, then 
looking his companion squarely in the face, he exclaimed, 
half playfully, half indignantly, “ I don’t suppose you 
will go so far as to claim any familiarity with that old 
will which has just been resurrected.” 

“Well,” said Merrick, deliberately stopping to relight 
his cigar, “I was aware that there was such a will in ex- 
istence, or at least that it had existed up to the time of 
Hugh Mainwaring’s death, and I supposed all along that it 
was in the possession of Harold Scott Mainwaring, other- 
wise known as Harry Scott, secretary. ’ ’ 

“By George! when and how did you get hold of all 
this ?’ ’ questioned the attorney, in a tone of bewilderment. 

“ I was pretty well conversant with the facts in the case 
a few days before the young man took passage for England, 
in the ‘ Campania.’ ” 


267 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘'The ‘ Campania !’ Heavens and earth, man ! Do you 
mean to say that he went over on the same boat with Miss 
— with the ladies from Fair Oaks ?’ ’ 

“Certainly; and I don’t think,” Merrick continued, 
watching the attorney shrewdly, “that Miss — the ladies 
from Fair Oaks — objected to him as a fellow-traveller, 
either. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney changed the subject. “Then you know 
that will to be genuine, do you ?’ ’ 

“ H’m ! am I on the witness stand ?” 

‘ ‘ No ; but I think I ought to subpoena you to keep the 
other side from getting your testimony ; you might make 
a troublesome witness against us. ” 

“ My testimony might be worth much or little; I am 
not giving it to either side at present.” 

“ Well, I would not have it go out, of course ; but for my 
part, I am inclined to believe not only that the will is 
genuine, but also that Ralph Mainwaring knows that it is.” 
“ He will fight it all the same.” 

“Yes, but on rather different grounds from what he first 
anticipated,” and Mr. Whitney gave Merrick an account 
of young Mainwaring’ s defection. “In my private opin- 
ion,” concluded the attorney, “ Ralph Mainwaring is a 
fool, for he has got a pretty hard combination to go 
against; they’ve evidently got a strong case, splendid legal 
talent, and plenty of money to back it all. However, I’m 
making a good thing out of it. ’ ’ 

“Yes,” said Merrick, enigmatically, “Barton & Barton 
are undoubtedly men of great ability in their profession, 
but that ‘clerk’ of theirs who has come over with the 
party, ’ ’ with peculiar emphasis, ‘ ‘ is the smartest man in 
the whole crowd !” 

“ The clerk ! why I thought he seemed rather an insig- 
nificant sort of a fellow; what do you know about him?” 

268 


SECESSION IN THE RANKS 


For reply the detective only gave a short, unpleasant 
laugh, and, touching his cap, turned abruptly down another 
street. 

Hold on !” cried the attorney ; you haven’t told me 
anything about yourself yet. What have you been doing ? 
and how long are you going to be in town ?’ ’ 

‘‘A day or two, perhaps, possibly a week; I cannot 
say.” 

How are you getting on ?” 

But the detective was lost in thought and apparently 
did not hear the question. ‘^I suppose you read of the 
arrest of Brown, the coachman?” he remarked, ab- 
stractedly, after a moment’s silence. 

‘‘The coachman? No! you don’t say that he was 
really concerned in that affair ?’ ’ the attorney exclaimed, 
excitedly. 

“ What affair, the Mainwaring murder? I don’t know 
that I have said that he was concerned in that,” Mer- 
rick answered, suddenly coming to himself and evidently 
enjoying the attorney’s expression of blank perplexity; 
“he was mixed up in a shooting affair, however, which 
occurred about that time, and by holding him in custody 
we hope to get on to the principals. Oh,” he added, 
carelessly, anticipating another inquiry from Mr. Whit- 
ney, “I’m getting there all right, if that is what you 
want to know; but I won’t have somebody else dogging 
my tracks and then claiming the game by and by. ’ ’ 

“ Man alive 1 what in the dickens are you driving at? 
You are in one of your moods to-night.” 

“Perhaps so,” Merrick replied, indifferently, then 
added quickly, “There is a sensation of some sort in 
there ; see the crowd of reporters ! ’ ’ 

They were standing on a street corner, near a large 
hotel, and glancing through the windows in the direction 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


indicated by the detective, Mr. Whitney saw, as he had 
said, a crowd of reporters in the office and lobbies, some 
writing, some talking excitedly, and others coming and 
going. Just then one who was leaving the building passed 
them, and Merrick stopped him. 

What is going on ? What’s the excitement?” 

Suicide!” the young man replied, hastily. ‘‘That 
woman who was mixed up in the Mainwaring case has 
suicided by poison. ’ ’ 

The attorney and the detective exchanged startled 
glances, then both entered the hotel. 


270 


CHAPTER XXIII 


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM 

An hour later, the attorney and the detective reappeared, 
and, threading their way through the crowd still lingering 
about the hotel, walked rapidly down the street, arm in 
arm, conversing in low tones. 

‘*A case of suicide undoubtedly,” said the attorney. 
** and scarcely to be wondered at, taking all the circum- 
stances into consideration. Do you know, I am now more 
than ever inclined to the belief that she was in some way 
connected with Hugh Mainwaring’s death, and that, after 
such a revelation of her character as was made in court this 
morning, she feared further disclosures.’ 

Mr. Whitney glanced at his companion, but the latter 
seemed engrossed with his own thoughts and made no reply. 

** I never was so completely floored in my life,” the at- 
torney continued, * * as when it came out that Harold Main- 
waring was her son ; and I yet fail to see the necessity for 
introducing that feature into the testimony. I should have 
thought that would have been passed over in silence. ’ ’ 

‘‘As near as I can judge from reading of the case,” 
Merrick replied, “it seems to have been done with a pur- 
pose. His attorneys were leading up to that very point in 
such a manner that, when the climax was reached, she 
would involuntarily betray herself — as she did — thus con- 
firming in the strongest manner the testimony already 
given. ’ ’ 

“I believe you may be right,” said the attorney, mus- 
ingly, “though it had not occurred to me.” 

After a short pause, Merrick continued: “ When I was 
271 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


first called to Fair Oaks, I suspected some relationship be- 
tween that woman and the secretary, as he was then called ; 
there was a marked resemblance between them ; both had 
the same peculiai olive skin, while their features and car- 
riage were almost identical.” 

Yes, I recall your mentioning the likeness to me, and 
at the same time I was puzzled by the resemblance between 
him and Hugh Mainwaring. Well, I always said he was a 
mystery, and no wonder ! ’ ’ 

They had reached the club-house by this time, and, as 
Merrick declined Mr. Whitney’s invitation to enter, both 
men remained outside for a few moments. Once again, 
the attorney endeavored to sound the detective regarding 
his work and the progress he was making, but the latter 
suddenly became strangely uncommunicative. 

My client is going to charge Harold Mainwaring with 
the murder, ’ ’ said the attorney at last. 

Merrick laughed scornfully, and for the second time that 
evening wheeled abruptly and turned down a side street, 
leaving Mr. Whitney standing upon the club-house steps, 
watching the rapidly retreating figure with mingled vexa- 
tion and amusement. 

‘^Something has upset Merrick,” he soliloquized, as he 
finally turned towards the entrance ; who can he imagine 
is ‘ dogging’ his tracks, as he terms it ? These detectives 
seem about as jealous of their reputation as we lawyers are 
supposed to be. Ralph Mainwaring is going to engage 
^ the best legal talent that money can get !’ H’m ! when 
he comes to settle, he may find that my ‘ legal talent’ will 
come just as high as the best of them. ’ ’ 

Could Mr. Whitney have been present at a conference 
held that evening in one of the private parlors of the Wal- 
dorf, he might have had a better understanding of the cause 
of Merrick’s perturbation. 

272 


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM 


Immediately upon returning to the hotel, Harold Main- 
vv^aring had communicated to the English attorney and to 
Mr. Scott the particulars of his interview with Mrs. La- 
Grange. Mr. Scott at once expressed his satisfaction at 
the outcome, in that she had rejected all offers of assistance 
except upon her own terms. 

‘‘That is best, that is best just as it is," he said, em- 
phatically; “you do not want to be hampered with any 
obligations she might impose upon you, and as for ever 
recognizing or acknowledging any relationship, it is not to 
be thought of for one moment. Your course was right, 
perfectly right. But what was the statement of such im- 
portance which she was to make ?’ ’ 

“That is just what I am coming to," the young man 
replied ; and drawing his chair closer to those of his com- 
panions, he repeated in low tones the secret intrusted to him 
by Mrs. LaGrange. The faces of the two men were a 
study as he ended his recital. 

“Are you confident that she spoke the truth?" ques- 
tioned Mr. Barton eagerly. 

“I am positive that she did; she seemed like one 
terror-stricken, and said that the horror of it had haunted 
her day and night. ’ ’ 

“There could be no reason in this instance for doubting 
her," commented Mr. Scott, thoughtfully; “she would 
have no motive for making such a statement if it were not 
true. ’ ’ 

“ My dear Mainwaring !" exclaimed the attorney, “ it is 
what I have suspected ever since you gave me the details 
of the affair ; you remember what I told you before we 
left London !" 

“Certainly ; but it seemed to me then too improbable." 

“ The improbable is, sometimes, what we must look for 
in cases like this," he replied; “McCabe should be put 
i8 273 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


on to this immediately, and we must call Sutherland. I will 
summon him, myself, at once,” and he left the room. 

The foster-father and son, left for a few moments to 
themselves, had little to say, but sat looking into each 
other’s faces with eyes full of meaning, each understanding 
what was in the other’s heart. At last, as they heard re- 
turning footsteps, the elder man spoke, — 

‘‘It was a good thing you went there, my boy; come 
what may, you will never regret it.” 

“ Never !” the other replied with emphasis. 

It seemed but a few moments ere hurried steps were 
heard along the corridor, followed by a light, familiar 
knock, and Mr. Sutherland entered. 

“I recognized your voice at the ’phone, Mr. Barton,” 
said the attorney, after greetings had been exchanged, 
“and something in its tone, aside from the general import 
of your message, led me to believe that the call was of 
special importance, therefore I lost no time in coming here. ’ ’ 

“ You were correct,” replied the English barrister ; “ we 
have made a most important discovery, bearing not only 
upon the case in hand, but also upon the Mainwaring 
murder case. ’ ’ 

“Ah — h!” responded the attorney with evident in^ 
terest ; then drawing his chair near the group seated about 
the open fire, he asked, with a swift glance about the room, 
“But where is your ‘clerk,’ Mr. Barton? Should he not 
be present ?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ My ‘ clerk ! ’ ” replied Mr. Barton, with peculiar em- 
phasis, and plainly appreciating the humor of the inquiry ; 
“my ‘clerk’ is, I believe, at present engaged in most as- 
siduously cultivating the acquaintance of Ralph Mainwar- 
ing’ s coachman.” 

Then, as Mr. Sutherland elevated his eyebrows in mute 
inquiry, he continued, — 


274 


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM 


The coachman, I have understood, is a recent acqui- 
sition, taken, I believe, upon the recommendation of this 
Merrick ; and while he seems eminently satisfactory as a 
coachman, I have my doubts as to whether he will prove 
quite so satisfactory to his superior officer upon his 
return.” 

“Ah, I see !” ejaculated the other; “he is what might 
be denominated a ‘sub.’ ” 

“ Yes ; and so exceedingly verdant that McCabe thought 
it worth while to make his acquaintance. But now to 
present business !” 

Again the strange story was repeated, Mr. Sutherland 
listening with grave attention, which deepened as the re- 
cital proceeded, until, at its completion, he could scarcely 
restrain his enthusiasm ; exultation was plainly written on 
his face, but there was a peculiar gentleness in his manner 
as he first approached his young client, saying in a low 
tone, as he cordially grasped his hand, — 

“ I realize, Mr. Mainwaring, all that this means to you, 
and I am sure you will understand me when I say that I 
congratulate you.” 

Harold Mainwaring bowed silently, and Mr. Sutherland, 
turning towards the English barrister, exclaimed, “This 
explains everything ! This will make our case absolutely 
incontrovertible ; but, first, we must secure that man at all 
hazards and at any cost just as quickly as possible ; think 
what a witness he will make ! ’ ’ 

“Just what I had in mind” was the response, “and 
McCabe is the man to locate him if he is upon the face of 
the earth. But we must decide immediately upon our own 
course of action, for this will necessitate certain changes in 
our plans, and we must act at once, and, at the same time, 
with the utmost caution and secrecy. ’ ’ 

Dinner was ordered and served in the privacy of their 

275 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


own apartments that they might be entirely free from in- 
trusion or interruptions during their deliberations, and it 
was at a late hour when, their consultation ended, they 
gathered about the open fire with their cigars, awaiting, 
with much self-congratulation and cheerful talk, the return 
of the absent McCabe. 

‘ ‘ Confound it ! ” exclaimed Mr. Barton, presently, glanc- 
ing at his watch; ‘^what in the deuce is keeping that 
fellow so late ? If we had not especially wanted him, he 
would have been here two hours ago. ’ ’ 

Perhaps,” suggested Mr. Sutherland, ‘‘he may have 
found the coachman more communicative than he antici- 
pated.” 

“ He has doubtless struck some clue which he is follow- 
ing, ’ ’ was the reply ; but at that instant there was a light 
tap at the door, and the man generally known as the 
English barrister’s “clerk” entered. 

“Well, Mac,” said Mr. Barton, cheerfully, “ ‘speak of 
the devil’ — you know what follows ! What luck to- 
night ?’ ’ 

“Very fair, sir,” said the man, quietly taking in the 
situation at a glance, as he noted the eager, expectant faces 
of the four men, and, dropping into a chair near the group, 
he instantly assumed an attitude of close attention. 

Ordinarily, McCabe was, as Mr. Whitney had remarked, 
rather an insignificant looking man. He was below medium 
stature and somewhat dull in appearance, owing to the fact 
that he seemed to take little interest in his surroundings, 
while his face, when his eyes were concealed, as was gener- 
ally the case, by the heavily drooping lids and long eye- 
lashes, was absolutely expressionless. When, however, he 
raised his eyes and fixed them upon any one, the effect was 
much the same as though a search-light suddenly flashed in 
one’s face ; but this was only upon rare occasions, and few 

276 


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM 


casual observers would dream of the keen perceptive facul- 
ties hidden beneath that quiet exterior. 

‘^Tell us your story first, Mac,” said Mr. Barton, after 
a moment’s silence, thoroughly understanding his man, 

ours will keep for a little bit.” 

‘^There’s not much to tell, sir.” 

How are you and the coachman coming on?” 

We’ll not be very intimate after to-night, I’m think- 
ing.” 

^‘How is that?” questioned the attorney, at the same 
time smiling broadly at his companions. 

Well, sir, there’ll be no call for it, for one thing, as 
I’ve got all the points in the case I wanted; and for 
another, his chief returned this evening, and, from the few 
words I overheard upon his arrival, I don’t think the 
coachman will feel over-confidential the next time he sees 
me,” and McCabe smiled grimly to himself. 

‘‘So Merrick is back!” interposed Mr. Sutherland, 
laughing. “ Did you and he meet?” 

“Meet, sir? Ah, no, not much o’ that! I heard a 
step coming up the stairs, and as I thought the room was 
hardly big enough for three, I excused myself to Mr. Jim 
Mathieson — alias Matthews, the coachman — and made for 
the hall. We passed each other at the head of the stairs, 
and I cluttered down, making as much racket as I could ; 
then at the foot of the stairs I took off my boots and crept 
upstairs again, more to hear the fellow’s voice than any- 
thing else, so I could recognize him afterwards. ’ ’ 

“What did you hear?” inquired Mr. Barton, as McCabe 
paused to light a cigar which Mr. Sutherland had handed 
him. 

‘ ‘ I heard him say, ‘ Who was that I passed outside, 
Jim?’ ‘ Only a cross-country friend of mine,’ says Jim. 

‘ What friends are you entertaining here in these quarters ?' 

277 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


says he, kind o’ sharp like. ‘An’ sure,’ says Jim, ‘ it was 
only Dan McCoy, the clerk of the big London lawyer who 
has come over with the young Mr. Mainwaring I’ve heard 
you speak of, and a right clever fellow he is, too!’ ‘ Clerk!’ 
he roars out, ‘ clerk, you blithering idiot ! he’s no more 
clerk than you are coachman, nor half so much, for you’re 
fit for nothing but to take care of horses all your days ! 
Do you want to know,’ says he, ‘who you’ve been enter- 
taining? That’s no more nor less than Dan McCabe, a 
Scotland Yard man they’ve brought over, nobody knows 
what for, but whatever his game, he’s made you play into 
his hand!’ I didn’t stay to hear more,” McCabe con- 
cluded, ‘ ‘ I got out. ’ ’ 

“But how does this Merrick know you?” Mr. Barton 
inquired, as the laughter caused by McCabe’s recital sub- 
sided. 

“ He doesn’t know me, he only knows of me,” the man 
replied. “ I found that out an hour or two later, when I 
met him in a crowd at the Wellington Hotel the speaker 
glanced curiously in the direction of Harold Mainwaring 
for an instant, and then continued, “I knew him by his 
voice, but I spoke with him, and he had no idea who I 
was. ’ ’ 

“But how has he heard of you?” persisted Mr. Barton. 

“There was an American detective — a friend of his — 
who came over on the ‘ Campania’ on the same trip with Mr. 
Mainwaring. He was following up a case in London, but 
he managed to keep his eye on Mr. Mainwaring and kept 
this Merrick posted of all that he was doing. It was be- 
cause of some remarks of his that I got wind of, that I 
determined from the first to get onto his g^me.” 

“Well, Mac,” said Mr. Barton, tentatively, “are you 
ready to go to work now ?’ ’ 

The keen eyes flashed for an instant in the attorney’s 
278 


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM 

face, then the man answered quietly, you’ve nothing 
to tell me. I’m ready to go to work on my own hook and 
in my own way ; if you’ve anything to say. I’ll hear it.” 

Mr. Barton glanced at the others. ‘‘ We had better tell 
McCabe what we have learned, and also just what our 
plans are.” 

The others bowed in assent, and the chairs were drawn 
closer together while Mr. Barton, in low tones, told, as 
briefly and clearly as possible, the discovery which they 
had made. McCabe listened to the attorney’s story, but 
whether or not the secret were already guessed by him, 
his face gave no sign. When it was ended he glanced 
curiously at Harold Mainwaring. 

‘^Mrs. LaG range told you this?” 

‘‘She did.” 

“At what time, if you please, sir?” 

“At about half-past five.” 

“ Are you aware, sir, that, with the exception of her 
maid, you are probably the last person who saw Mrs. 
LaGrange living?” 

“Saw her living!” Harold Mainwaring repeated, as- 
tonished, while Mr. Barton demanded, “What do you 
mean, Mac?” 

“I mean, sir,” said McCabe, slowly, “that Mrs. La- 
Grange committed suicide at about seven o’clock this 
evening, less than two hours after Mr. Mainwaring saw 
her.” 

“When did you learn of this? What do you know of 
the affair ?’ ’ questioned the attorneys quickly, while Harold 
Mainwaring, more deeply shocked than he would have 
thought possible, listened to the man’s reply. 

“I happened along by the Wellington about two hours 
ago, and saw considerable stir around there. I learned 
’twas a case of suicide, but thought nothing of it till I 

279 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


heard the woman’s name, then I dropped in and picked up 
the facts in the case, ’ ’ and he proceeded to relate the de- 
tails of the affair. 

As Harold Mainwaring listened, he recalled the looks 
and words of the wretched woman, her genuine misery, 
her falsehood and deceit, her piteous pleadings, and the 
final rage and scorn with which she had rejected his assist- 
ance even in the face of such desperation and despair ; and 
a sickening sense of horror stole over him, rendering him 
almost oblivious to the conversation around him. 

’Twas there I saw this man Merrick,” McCabe was 
saying in conclusion. I heard him questioning the maid 
about Mr. Mainwaring’ s interview with the woman; he 
evidently was onto that. I saw the girl myself shortly 
afterwards and gave her a hint and a bit of money to keep 
her mouth shut about Mr. Mainwaring. She seemed 
pretty bright, and I think she will understand her busi- 
ness. ’ ’ 

‘^Confound that meddlesome Yankee! what was he 
prowling around there for?” interrupted Mr. Scott, angrily. 
** He has no business prying into Harold Scott Mainwaring’s 
affairs, and I’ll have him understand it; let him attend to 
his own duties, and I think, from all reports, he will have 
his hands more than full then. Mr. Sutherland,” he con- 
tinued, addressing the attorney, there’s no knowing what 
that beastly bungler who calls himself a detective will do 
next ; this thing is likely to be out in the morning papers 
with the boy’s name mixed up in it, and it must be stopped 
right here. His name must be kept out of this at any 
price, and you probably can reach the New York press 
better than any one of us. ’ ’ 

‘‘You are right,” said Mr. Sutherland, rising hastily 
and preparing to leave ; “ our client wants no notoriety of 
that sort ; and I will make sure that nothing of the kind 

280 


FLOTSAM AND JETSAM 


occurs. I have a friend who has unlimited influence with 
the newspaper men, and I will have him attend to the mat- 
ter at once, and see to it that everything of that nature is 
suppressed. ’ ’ 

That is best,” said Harold Mainwaring gravely, com- 
ing forward. I would have rendered the woman any 
necessary assistance ; I am willing to do whatever is 
needful now, but, living or dead, her name shall never be 
coupled with my father’s name and mine.” 

You understand, of course, that money is no object in 
this matter, ’ ’ added Mr. Scott. 

I understand perfectly, sir,” said the attorney, courte- 
ously ; everything will be attended to ; and, Mr. Barton, 
you will kindly confer with Mr. McCabe, and I will see you 
in the morning regarding your final decision. Good-night, 
gentlemen. ’ ’ 

An hour later, McCabe took his departure. Of his own 
theories or plans he had said little more than that he was 
to leave the Waldorf that night for another part of the city, 
but all details for communication with him in case of neces- 
sity had been carefully arranged. 

^^Your ‘clerk’ has been suddenly called to London on 
important business,” he said to Mr. Barton, with a quiet 
smile, adding, “You may meet me occasionally, but it’s not 
likely or best that you recognize me, and when I have any- 
thing to report you will hear from me,” and with these 
words he was gone. 

When at last Harold Mainwaring and his foster-father 
were again by themselves, the latter, noting the younger 
man’s abstraction, said, — 

‘ ‘ This is naturally a great snock to you, my boy, but it 
is only what might be expected after such a life as hers. 
You have done nothing for which to censure yourself ; you 
have done all that could be done under existing conditions. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


and more than was actually required of you ; so you need 
have no regrets over the affair. ’ ’ 

understand that, sir; but the thought that I cannot 
banish from my mind is, knowing so well her treachery 
and deceit, is it possible that she herself had a hand in the 
murder, and finding at last that there was no hope of gain- 
ing my friendship, did she fear the developments which 
might follow from what she had told ?’ ’ 

The elder man shook his head thoughtfully. ‘‘We 
cannot say, my boy ; the thought occurred to me almost 
instantaneously, for, without doubt, she both hated and 
feared him ; but time alone will tell.” 


2d2 


CHAPTER XXIV 


BETWEEN THE ACTS 

For the ten days next ensuing the public craving for 
sensational developments in the Mainwaring case seemed 
likely to be gratified to an unusual degree. To the ex- 
citing scenes of the court-room was added the suicide of 
Mrs. LaGrange, immediately followed by news of the dis- 
covery that Richard Hobson, the unwilling witness in the 
previous day’s proceedings, had absconded, leaving not the 
slightest indication of even the direction in which he had 
vanished. By many the suicide of the one and the sudden 
disappearance of the other, occurring simultaneously, were 
considered as prima facie evidence that the two, so closely 
associated with each other, had been in some way connected 
with the Fair Oaks tragedy. 

From this phase of the affair, however, public attention 
was speedily diverted by the report that proceedings to 
contest the old will had been instituted, but in the name 
of Ralph Mainwaring and his brother, Harold W. Main- 
waring; his son, the sole heir under the will of Hugh 
Mainwaring, having altogether withdrawn from the contest. 
This had caused an open rupture between father and son, 
and the latter had established himself in a suite of apart- 
ments at the Murray Hill. 

Young Mainwaring’s course occasioned great surprise; 
many commended his wisdom, but few gave him credit for 
the genuine sense of honor which had actuated him. 

‘‘A neat little stroke of diplomacy,” said one club-man 
to another, ‘'and worthy of Hugh Mainwaring himself I 

283 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


There is no show for him, anyway, and it’s much better 
policy to yield the point now, don’t you see, than to fight 
it out along with that pig-headed father of his. ’ ’ 

^‘He understands on which side his bread is buttered, 
and don’t you forget it, my dear boy,” was the laughing 
rejoinder. ‘‘It’s always best to stand in with the winning 
side; he won’t lose anything in the long run, and he 
knows it. ’ ’ 

Such remarks occasionally reached young Mainwaring, 
making him exceedingly indignant. 

“You may say, once and for all,” he said to a reporter 
who was interviewing him in his apartments at the Murray 
Hill, ‘ ‘ that in withdrawing from this contest I am not cur- 
rying favor with Harold Scott Mainwaring. He and I are 
the best of friends, but that fact would not hinder me from 
giving him a fair and square fight if there were the slightest 
doubt as to the validity of his claim. But there isn’t ; he 
has proved his right, legally and morally, to the property, 
and that’s enough for me.” 

“But Mr. Ralph Mainwaring must have some tenable 
ground for contesting his claim, ’ ’ said the reporter, tenta- 
tively, hoping to get some of the inside facts of the case. 

Young Mainwaring froze instantly. “I have nothing 
whatever to say, sir, regarding the governor’s action in 
this matter ; any information you desire on that point you 
will have to obtain from him. ’ ’ 

The next development in the Mainwaring case was a 
report to the effect that the whereabouts of Harold W. 
Mainwaring could not be ascertained, and it was generally 
supposed among his London associates that he had followed 
his brother to America by the next steamer. As this re- 
port was supplemented by the further facts that he was a 
man of no principle, heavily involved in debt, and deeply 
incensed at Ralph Mainwaring’ s success in securing for his 
284 


BETWEEN THE ACTS 


son the American estate in which he himself had expected 
to share, public speculation was immediately aroused in a 
new direction, and ‘^that Mainwaring affair” became the 
absorbing topic, not alone at the clubs and other places 
of masculine rendezvous, but at all social gatherings as 
well. 

Regarding the principal actors in this drama, however, 
around whom public interest really centred, little could be 
definitely ascertained. To many, who, on the following 
morning, read the details of the suicide at the Wellington, 
it was a matter of no small wonder that the name of Harold 
Scott Mainwaring was not once mentioned in connection 
with that of the woman shown by the preceding day’s tes- 
timony to have been so closely related to him. Perhaps 
no one was more surprised at this omission than Merrick 
himself, but if so, his only comment was made mentally. 

** He’s got the cinch on them all around, and he’ll win, 
hands down ! ’ ’ 

The inquest, held at an early hour, was merely a matter 
of form, the evidence of intentional suicide being con- 
clusive, and the interment, a few hours later, was strictly 
private. Excepting the clergyman who read the burial 
service, there were present only the two sons of the 
wretched woman. 

It was their first meeting since learning of the strange 
relationship existing between them, and Walter LaGrange, 
as he entered the presence of the dead, cast a curious 
glance, half shrinking, half defiant, at the calm, stern face 
of Harold Mainwaring, who had preceded him. His own 
face was haggard and drawn, and the hard, rigid lines deep- 
ened as his glance fell for an instant on the casket between 
them. Then his eyes looked straight into those of Harold 
Mainwaring with an expression almost imploring. 

‘‘Tell me,” he demanded in low, hoarse tones, “is it 
28s 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


true that I am — what she once said and what report is now 
saying — the son of Hugh Mainwaring ?’ ’ 

‘^It is true,” the other replied, gravely. 

<‘Then curse them both!” he exclaimed, while his 
hands clinched involuntarily. ‘‘What right had they to 
blight and ruin my life ? What right had they to live as 
they did, and let the stigma, the shame, the curse of it all 
fall on me ? A few months since I had the honor and re- 
spect of my classmates and associates ; to-day, not one will 
recognize me, and for no fault of mine !” 

“ Hush 1” interposed Harold Mainwaring ; “ I know the 
wrong which has been done you, — they have wronged me, 
also, far more deeply than you know, — but this is no time 
or place to recall it !” 

The calmness and kindness of his tones seemed to soothe 
and control his excited companion. 

“I know they have wronged you,” the latter replied; 
“but they have not ruined you! You have not only 
friends and wealth, but, more than all, your father’s name. 
I, ” he added bitterly, ‘ ‘ am a pauper, and worse than a 
pauper, for I have not even a name ! ’ ’ 

For a few moments Harold Mainwaring silently studied 
the haggard young face confronting him, in which anger 
was slowly giving place to dull, sullen despair ; and his 
own heart was suddenly moved with pity for the boy 

** Robbed of his birthright before he was bom," 

reared in an atmosphere of treachery and deceit calculated 
to foster and develop the evil tendencies already inherited ; 
yet, notwithstanding all, so closely akin to himself. 

“Walter,” he said, gravely, at the same time extending 
his hand across the casket, ‘ ‘ I realize the truth of much 
that you have said, but you need not allow this to ruin or 

286 


BETWEEN THE ACTS 


blight your life. Mark my words, your future from this 
time forth is, to a great extent, in your own hands ; your 
life will be what you make it, and you alone. See to it 
that it is not blighted by your own wrong-doing ! Be 
yourself a man of honor, and I will assure you, you can 
depend upon me to stand by you and to help you. ’ ’ 

Walter LaGrange raised his eyes in astonishment at these 
words, containing a pledge of probably the first genuine 
friendship he had ever known in his young life. He gave 
a look, searching, almost cynical, into Harold Mainwaring’s 
face ; then reading nothing but sincerity, he took the prof- 
fered hand, saying brokenly, — 

‘‘Do you really mean it? I supposed that you, of all 
others, would despise me ; and it would be no great wonder 
if you did ! ’ ’ 

“It will depend entirely upon yourself, Walter, whether 
or not I despise you. If I ever do, it will be the result of 
your own unworthiness, not because of the wrong-doing of 
others. ’ ’ 

There were signs in the boy’s face of a brief struggle 
between the old pride, inherited from his mother, and the 
self-respect which Harold Mainwaring’s words had but just 
awakened. 

“If it were the other fellow,” he said, slowly, “ the one 
the old man intended to make his heir, had made me such 
a proposition, I would tell him to go to the devil ; but, by 
George ! if you will stand by me, it’s all right, and I’ll be 
man enough anyway that you’ll never regret it.” 

A few days later, Walter LaGrange, penniless and friend- 
less, had disappeared, whither his former associates neither 
knew nor cared. In a large banking establishment in one 
of the principal western cities, — a branch of the firm of 
Mainwaring & Co., — a. young man, known as the ward of 
Harold Scott Mainwaring, was entered as an employe, with 

287 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


prospect of advancement should he prove himself worthy 
of responsibility and trust. But of this, as of many other 
events just then quietly transpiring behind the scenes, little 
or nothing was known. 

Meanwhile, as the days slipped rapidly away, the party 
at the Waldorf was not idle. There were conferences, 
numerous and protracted, behind closed doors, telegrams 
and cablegrams in cipher flashed hither and thither in mul- 
titudinous directions, while Mr. Sutherland seemed fairly 
ubiquitous. Much of his time, however, was spent in the 
private parlors of the English party, with frequent journeys 
to the court-house to ascertain the status of the case. From 
one of these trips he returned one evening jubilant. 

‘‘Well,” said he, settling himself comfortably, with a 
sigh of relief, “ the first point in the case is decided in our 
favor. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ That is a good omen, ’ ’ Mr. Barton replied cheerfully ; 
“ but may I inquire to what you refer?” 

“I have succeeded in getting the date for the hearing 
set for the next term of court, which opens early in 
December. ’ ’ 

“I am glad to hear it; a little time just now is of the 
utmost importance to our interests. Did you have any 
difficulty in securing a postponement until the next term ?’ ’ 

“Whitney, of course, opposed it strongly. He said 
his client wanted the matter settled at the earliest pos- 
sible moment ; but I told him that so long as Ralph Main- 
waring persisted in butting against a stone wall, just so 
long a speedy settlement was out of the question ; it was 
bound to be a hard fight, and would be carried over into 
the next term in any event. Then I had a private inter- 
view with Judge Bingham, and, without giving particulars, 
told him that new developments had arisen, and, with a 
little time in which to procure certain evidence, we would 

288 


BETWEEN THE ACTS 


have our opponents completely floored, — they would not 
even have an inch of room left to stand upon, — while 
under present conditions, Mainwaring, so long as he had a 
shilling, would, if beaten, move for a new trial, or appeal 
to a higher court, — ^anything to keep up the fight. So he 
will grant us till December, which, I am inclined to think, 
will be ample time. ’ ’ 

‘‘It looks now,’' said Mr. Barton, producing a tele- 
gram, “as though we might succeed in securing that evi- 
dence much sooner than we have anticipated. What do 
you think of that ?’ ’ and he handed the despatch to Mr. 
Sutherland. 

The face of the latter brightened as he glanced rapidly 
over the yellow sheet. 

“The dickens! McCabe has left the city!” he ex- 
claimed. 

Mr. Barton bowed. “ Which means,” he said in reply, 
“that he has evidently struck the scent; and when he 
once starts on the trail, it is only a question of time — and 
usually not any great length of time, either — before he 
runs his game to cover.” 

“Well,” ejaculated Mr. Sutherland, rubbing his hands 
together enthusiastically, “I, for one, want to be ‘in at 
the death’ on this, for it will simply be the finest piece of 
work, the grandest denouement, of any case that has ever 
come within my twenty years of legal experience !” 

Mr. Barton smiled. “My brother is evidently of the 
same opinion with yourself, ’ ’ he said. “ I received a cable- 
gram from him to-day, requesting me to inform him at 
once of the date set for the hearing, as he stated he would 
not, for a kingdom, fail of being present at the trial.” 

With the announcement that the case of Mainwaring 
versus Mainwaring had been set for the opening of the 
December term of court, the public paused to take breath 
19 289 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


and to wonder at this unlooked-for delay, but preparations 
for the coming contest were continued with unabated vigor 
on both sides. Contrary to all expectations, Ralph Main- 
waring, so far from objecting to the postponement of the 
case, took special pains to express his entire satisfaction 
with this turn of affairs. 

‘^It is an indication of conscious weakness on their 
part,” he remarked with great cornplacency, as he and 
Mr. Whitney were dining at the club on the following day. 
‘‘They have evidently discovered some flaw in their de- 
fence which it will take some time to repair. I can afford 
to wait, however; my attorneys and experts will soon be 
here, and while our side could easily have been in readi- 
ness in a much shorter time, this, of course, will give us an 
opportunity for still more elaborate preparation, so that we 
will gain an immense advantage over them.” 

“ I suppose, Mr. Mainwaring,” said one of his listeners, 
giving a quick side-glance at his companions, “ I suppose 
that during this interim a truce will be declared, and for 
the time being there will be a cessation of hostilities be- 
tween the parties in interest, will there not ?’ ’ 

“Sir!” roared Ralph Mainwaring, transfixing the 
speaker with a stare calculated to annihilate him. 

‘ ‘ I beg pardon, sir, I intended no offence, ’ ’ continued 
the irrepressible young American, ignoring the warning 
signals from his associates ; “it only occurred to me that 
with such an immense advantage on your side you could 
afford to be magnanimous and treat your opponent with 
some consideration.” 

‘ ‘ I am not accustomed to showing magnanimity or con- 
sideration to any but my own equals,” the other rejoined, 
with freezing dignity ; “and the fact that my ‘ opponent,* 
as you are pleased to designate him, is, for the present, 
allowed liberty to go and come at his pleasure, although 

290 


BETWEEN THE ACTS 

under strict surveillance, is, in this instance, sufficient con- 
sideration. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Harold Scott Mainwaring under surveillance ? In- 
credible ! ’ ’ exclaimed one of the party in a low tone, while 
the first speaker remarked, I certainly was unaware that 
the gentleman in question was to be regarded in the light 
of a suspected criminal ! ’ ’ 

‘^It is to be presumed,” said Ralph Mainwaring, 
haughtily, stung by the tinge of irony in the other’s tone, 
‘‘that there are a number of points in this case of which 
people in general are as yet unaware, but upon which they 
are likely to become enlightened in the near future, when 
this person who has assumed such a variety of roles will be 
disclosed in his true light, — not that cf a suspected crim- 
inal merely, but of a condemned criminal, convicted by a 
chain of evidence every link of which has been forged by 
himself.” 

There was an ominous silence as Ralph Mainwaring rose 
from the table, broken at last by an elderly gentlem.an 
seated at a little distance, who, while apparently an inter- 
ested listener, had taken no part in the conversation. 

“Begging your pardon, Mr. Mainwaring, I would judge 
the charges which you would prefer against this young man 
to be unusually serious ; may I inquire their nature ?’ ’ 

The words were spoken with the utmost deliberation, but 
in the calm, even tones there was an implied challenge, 
which was all that was needed at that instant to fan Ralph 
Mainwaring’ s wrath into a flame. Utterly disregarding a 
cautionary glance from Mr. Whitney, he turned his monacle 
upon the speaker, glaring at him in contemptuous silence 
for a moment. 

“You have decidedly the advantage of me, sir, but 
allow me to say that the person under discussion has not 
only, with unheard of effrontery, publicly and unblush- 
291 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


ingly proclaimed himself as a blackmailer and knave, capa- 
ble of descending to any perfidy or treachery for the pur- 
pose of favoring his own base schemes, but he has also, in 
his inordinate greed and ambition, unwittingly proved him- 
self by his own statements and conduct to be a villain of 
the deepest dye; and I will say, furthermore, that if 
Harold Scott Mainwaring, as he styles himself, ends his 
days upon the gallows in expiation of the foul murder of 
Hugh Mainwaring, he will have only himself to thank, for 
his own words and deeds will have put the noose about his 
neck. ’ ’ 

Having thus expressed himself, Ralph Mainwaring, with- 
out waiting for reply, left the room accompanied by Mr. 
Whitney. The latter made no comment until they were 
seated in the carriage and rolling down the avenue ; then 
he remarked, casually, — 

was surprised, Mr. Mainwaring, that you failed to 
recognize the gentleman who addressed you as you were 
leaving the table. ’ ’ 

His face was somewhat familiar; I have met him, but 
I cannot recall when or where. I considered his tone de- 
cidedly offensive, however, and I proposed, whoever he 
might be, to give him to understand that I would brook no 
interference. Do you know him ?’ ’ 

I have never met him, but I know of him,’* the attor- 
ney replied, watching his client closely. He is the Hon- 
orable J. Ponsonby Roget, Q. C., of London. I supposed 
of course that you knew him. ’ ’ 

J. Ponsonby Roget, Queen’s Counsel ? Egad ? I have 
met him, but it was years ago, and he has aged so that I 
did not recognize him. Strange!” he added, visibly an- 
noyed. What the deuce is he doing in this country?” 

'‘That is just what no one is able to say,” replied the 
attorney, slowly. "He is stopping at the Waldorf, with 
292 


BETWEEN THE ACTS 


our friends, the English party, but whether as a guest or in 
a professional capacity, no one has been able to ascertain. ’ ’ 
Zounds, man ! why did you not give me this informa- 
tion earlier ?’ ’ 

‘‘For the good and sufficient reason, Mr. Mainwaring, 
that I did not learn of the facts myself until within the last 
two hours. My attention was called to the gentleman as I 
entered the club. I assumed, of course, that you knew 
him, at least by sight, and when he addressed you I sup- 
posed for the instant that you were acquaintances. ’ ’ 

“But how came he at the club? None of the party 
from the Waldorf were with him.” 

“He was there as the especial guest of Chief-Justice 
Parmalee, of the Supreme Court, the gentleman on his left. 
Judge Parmalee spent much of his life in London, and the 
two are particular friends. ’ ’ 

“Well, it’s done, and can’t be undone, and I don’t 
know that I regret it, ’ ’ Ralph Mainwaring remarked, sul- 
lenly. “If he chooses to identify himself with that side 
of the case he is at liberty to do so, but he has my opinion 
of his client gratis. ’ ’ 

Mr. Whitney made no reply, and the drive was con- 
cluded in silence. 

Meanwhile, Ralph Mainwaring had no sooner left the 
club than a chorus of exclamations, protests, and running 
comments arose on all sides. 

“ Harold Scott Mainwaring the murderer of Hugh Main- 
waring ! That is carrying this farce beyond all bounds ! ’ ’ 

“If he cannot get possession of the property in any 
other way, he will send the new heir to the gallows, eh ?’ ’ 

“ He will attempt it, too ; he is desperate,” said one. 

“ He may make it pretty serious for the young fellow,” 
said another, thoughtfully. “You remember, by his own 
statements he was the last person who saw Hugh MainWar- 

293 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


ing alive ; in fact, he was in his library within a few 
moments preceding his death ; and after all that has been 
brought to light, it’s not to be supposed that he had any 
great affection for his uncle. ’ ’ 

‘‘What is this, gentlemen?” said a reporter, briskly, 
appearing on the scene, note-book in hand. “Any new 
developments in the Mainwaring case ?’ ’ 

“Yes, a genuine sensation!” shouted two or three 
voices. 

“ Gentlemen, attention a moment ! ’ ’ said a commanding 
voice outside, and an instant later a tall, well-known form 
entered. 

“The ubiquitous Mr. Sutherland!” laughingly an- 
nounced a jovial young fellow, standing near the entrance. 

“Sutherland, how is this?” demanded one of the elder 
gentlemen. “ Have you a private battery concealed about 
your person with invisible wires distributed throughout the 
city, that you seem to arrive at any and every spot just on 
the nick of time ?’ ’ 

“That is one of the secrets of the profession, Mr. Nor- 
ton, not to be revealed to the uninitiated,” replied the at- 
torney, while a quick glance flashed between himself and 
the Queen’s Counsel. 

“There is one thing, gentlemen,” he continued, with 
great dignity, “ to which I wish to call your attention, par- 
ticularly you gentlemen of the press. I am aware of the 
nature of the ‘sensation’ of which you made mention a 
moment ago, but I wish it distinctly understood that it is 
to be given no publicity whatever. The name of my client 
is not to be bandied about before the public in connection 
with any of Ralph Mainwaring’ s imputations or villifica- 
tions, for the reason that they are wholly without founda- 
tion. We are thoroughly cognizant of that gentleman’s 
intentions regarding our client, and we will meet him on 
294 


BETWEEN THE ACTS 


his own ground. In the coming contest we will not only 
establish beyond all shadow of doubt our client’s sole right 
and title to the Mainwaring estate, but we will, at the same 
time, forever refute and silence any and every aspersion 
which Ralph Mainwaring may seek to cast upon him. 
Even were there any truth in these insinuations, it would 
be time enough, when the charges should be preferred 
against our client, to blazen them before the public, but 
since they are only the product of spleen and malignity, 
simply consign them to the odium and obloquy to which 
they are entitled. ’ ’ 

‘‘That is right!” responded two or three voices, while 
the reporter replied, courteously, — 

“We will certainly respect your wishes, sir ; but you see 
the public is on the qid vivCy so to speak, over this case, 
and it is our business to get hold of every item which we can 
to add to the interest. You have checked us off on some 
rather interesting matter already, I believe. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps so,” said Mr. Sutherland, quietly, “but I can 
promise you that before long there will be developments in 
the case which will give you boys all the interesting matter 
you will need for some time, and they will be fact, not 
fabrication. ’ ’ 

As the result of Mr. Sutherland’s prompt action, the 
newspapers contained no allusion to that evening’s scene at 
the club ; but even his energy and caution were powerless to 
prevent the spread of the affair from lip to lip. Mentioned 
scarcely above a whisper, the report rippled onward, the 
waves widening in all directions, with various alterations 
and additions, till it was regarded as an open secret in all 
circles of society. It reached young Mainwaring in his 
rather secluded bachelor quarters at the Murray Hill, and 
he bowed his head in shame that a Mainwaring should stoop 
to so disgraceful an exhibition of his venomous rage and 

295 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


hatred. It reached Harold Scott Mainwaring, and the 
smouldering fire in the dark eyes gleamed afresh and the 
proud face grew rigid and stern. Donning overcoat and 
hat, he left his apartments at the Waldorf, and started forth 
in the direction of the club most frequented by Ralph 
Mainwaring and Mr. Whitney. 

He had gone but a short distance when he met young 
Mainwaring. The young men exchanged cordial greetings, 
and, at Harold’s request, his cousin retraced his steps to ac- 
company him. 

Why are you making such a stranger of yourself, Hugh ? 
I have scarcely seen you of late,” said Harold, after a little 
general conversation. 

‘‘Well, to be frank with you, old boy, I haven’t been 
around so often as I would like for two reasons ; for one 
thing, I find people generally are not inclined to regard 
our friendship in the same light that we do. You and I 
understand one another, and you don’t suspect me of any 

fiunkeyism, or any ulterior motive, don’t you know, ” 

“I understand perfectly,” said Harold, as his cousin 
paused, seeming to find some difficulty in conveying his 
exact meaning ; ‘ ‘ and so long as you and I do understand each 
other, what is the use of paying any attention to outsiders ? 
Whether we were friends, or refused to recognize one 
another, their small talk and gossip would flow on forever, 
so why attempt to check it ?’ ’ 

“ I believe you are right; but that isn’t all of it, don’t 
you know. What I care most about is the governor’s 
losing his head in the way he has lately. It is simply out- 
rageous, the reports he has started in circulation ! ’ ’ 

Hugh paused and glanced anxiously into his cousin’s face, 
but the frank, brotherly kindness which he read there reas- 
sured him 

“ My dear cousin,” said Harold, warmly, “ nothing that 
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Ralph Mainwaring can ever say or do shall make any 
difference between us. There are but two contingencies 
in this connection that I regret. ’ ’ 

‘‘And those are what?” the younger man questioned 
eagerly. 

“That he bears the name of Mainwaring, and that he 
is your father ! ’ ’ 

“By Jove! I’m with you on that,” the other ex- 
claimed heartily, “and I hope you’ll win every point in 
the game ; but I’ve been awfully cut up over what he 
has said and done recently. I know that he intends 
to carry his threats into execution, and I’m afraid 
he’ll make it deucedly unpleasant for you, don’t you 
know. ’ ’ 

They had reached the club-house, and Harold Mainwar- 
ing, as he paused on the lowest step, smiled brightly into 
the boyish face, regarding him with such solicitude. 

“ I understand his intentions as well as you, and know 
that it would give him great delight to carry them into 
execution ; but, my dear boy, he will never have the oppor- 
tunity to even make the attempt.” 

Young Mainwaring’s face brightened. “Why, are you 
prepared to head him off in that direction ? By Jove ! 
I’m right glad to know it. Well, I’ll be around to the 
Waldorf in the course of a day or two. No, much obliged, 
but I don’t care to go into the club-rooms to-night; in 
fact, I haven’t been in there since the governor made that 
after-dinner speech of his. Good-night ! ’ ’ 

As Harold Mainwaring sauntered carelessly through the 
club-rooms, returning the greetings of the select circle of 
friends which he had made, he was conscious of glances 
of interest and undisguised curiosity from the many with 
whom he had no acquaintance. No allusion was made to 
the subject which he well knew was in their minds, however, 

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THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


until, meeting Mr. Chittenden, the latter drew him aside 
into an alcove. 

say, my dear Mainwaring, are you aware that your 
esteemed kinsman has you under strict surveillance?” 

Mainwaring smiled, though his eyes flashed. * ‘ I am 
aware that he has made statements to that effect, although, 
thus far, his * surveillance ’ has interfered in no way either 
with my duties or pleasures, nor do I apprehend that it 
will.” 

*‘My dear fellow, it is simply preposterous! the man 
must be insane. ’ ’ 

< ‘ Is he here this evening ?’ ’ Mainwaring inquired. 

‘‘ No ; to tell the truth, he has not found it so very con- 
genial here since that outbreak of his ; he seldom is here 
now, excepting, of course, at meals. Mr. Whitney is here, 
however. ’ ’ 

came here,” Harold Mainwaring replied, with the 
express purpose of meeting one or the other, or both ; on 
the whole, it will be rather better to meet Mr. Whitney. ’ ’ 

''No trouble, no unpleasant words, I hope?” said the 
elder man, anxiously. 

"Mr. Chittenden, when you knew me as Hugh Main- 
waring’ s private secretary, you knew me as a gentleman ; 
I trust I shall never be less.” 

"You are right, you are right, my boy, and I beg your 
pardon ; but young blood is apt to be hasty, you know. ’ ’ 

A little later Harold Mainwaring strolled leisurely across 
the large reading-room to a table where Mr. Whitney was 
seated. The latter, seeing him, rose to greet him, while 
his sensitive face flushed with momentary excitement. 

"Mr. Mainwaring, I am delighted to meet you. I had 
hoped from the friendly tone of that rather mysterious note 
of yours, upon your somewhat abrupt departure, that we 
might meet again soon, and, though it is imder greatly 
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altered circumstances, I am proud to have the opportunity 
of congratulating you. ’ ’ 

The younger man responded courteously, and for a few 
moments the two chatted pleasantly upon subjects of gen- 
eral interest, while many pairs of eyes looked on in silent 
astonishment, wondering what this peculiar interview might 
portend. 

At last, after a slight pause, Harold Mainwaring re- 
marked, calmly, ‘‘Mr. Whitney, I understand that, when 
the coming litigation is terminated, your client intends to 
institute proceedings against me of a far different nature, — 
criminal proceedings, in fact.” 

The attorney colored and started nervously, then replied 
in a low tone, ‘ ‘ Mr. Mainwaring, let us withdraw to one 
of the side rooms ; this is rather a public place for any con- 
versation regarding those matters. ’ ’ 

“It is none too public for me, Mr. Whitney, as I have 
nothing unpleasant to say towards yourself personally, and 
nothing which I am not perfectly willing should be heard 
by any and every individual in these rooms to-night. You 
have not yet answered my inquiry, Mr. Whitney. ’ ’ 

The attorney paused for a moment, as though laboring 
under great excitement, then he spoke in a tone vibrating 
with strong emotion, — 

“Mr. Mainwaring, regarding my client’s intentions, you 
have, in all probability, been correctly informed. I be- 
lieve that he has made statements at various times to that 
effect, and I am now so well acquainted with him that I 
know there is no doubt but that he will attempt to carry 
out what he has threatened. But, Mr. Mainwaring, I wish 
to say a word or two for myself. In the coming litigation 
over the estate, I, as Ralph Mainwaring’ s counsel, am 
bound to do my part without any reference to my own per- 
sonal opinions or prejudices, and I expect to meet you 

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THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


and your counsel in an open fight, — perhaps a bitter one. 
But this much I have to say : Should Ralph Mainwaring 
undertake to bring against you any action of the character 
which he has threatened,” here Mr. Whitney rose to his 
feet and brought his hand down with a ringing blow upon 
the table at his side, he will have to employ other coun- 
sel than myself, for I will have nothing whatever to do with 
such a case ! ’ ’ 

He paused a moment, then continued : ** I do not claim 
to understand you perfectly, Mr. Mainwaring. I will con- 
fess you have always been a mystery to me, and you are 
still. There are depths about you that I cannot fathom. 
But I do believe in your honor, your integrity, and your 
probity, and as for taking part in any action reflecting upon 
your character, or incriminating you in any respect, I 
never will ! ’ ’ 

A roar of applause resounded through the club-rooms as 
he concluded. When it had subsided, Harold Mainwaring 
replied, — 

“Mr. Whitney, I thank you for this public expression 
of your confidence in me. The relations between us in the 
past have been pleasant, and I trust they will continue so in 
the future. As I stated, however, I came here to-night 
with no unfriendly feeling towards yourself, but to ask you 
to be the bearer of a message from me to your client. 
Ralph Mainwaring, not content with trying by every means 
within his power to deprive me of my right and title to the 
estate for years wrongfully withheld from my father and 
from myself, now accuses me of being the murderer of 
Hugh Mainwaring ! Say to Ralph Mainwaring, for me, 
that, not through what he terms my * inordinate greed and 
ambition, ’ but through God-given rights which no man can 
take from me, I will have my own, and he is powerless to 
prevent it or to stand in my way. But say to him that I 

300 


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will never touch one farthing of this property until I stand 
before the world free and acquitted of the most remote 
shadow of the murder of Hugh Main waring ; nor until the 
foul and dastardly crime that stains Fair Oaks shall have 
been avenged !” 

Amid the prolonged applause that followed, Harold 
Mainwaring left the building. 


CHAPTER XXV 


RUN TO COVER 

A DULL, cheerless day in the early part of December was 
merging into a stormy night as the west-bound express over 
one of the transcontinental railways, swiftly winding its 
way along the tortuous course of a Rocky Mountain canyon, 
suddenly paused before the long, low depot of a typical 
western mining city. The arc lights swinging to and fro 
shed only a ghastly radiance through the dense fog, and 
grotesque shadows, dancing hither and thither to the 
vibratory motion of the lights, seemed trying to contest 
supremacy with the feeble rays. 

The train had not come to a full stop when a man sprang 
lightly from one of the car platforms, and, passing swiftly 
through the waiting crowd, concealed himself in the 
friendly shelter of the shadows, where he remained oblivi- 
ous to the rain falling in spiteful dashes, while he scanned 
the hurrying crowd surging in various directions. Not one 
of the crowd observed him ; not one escaped his observa- 
tion. Soon his attention was riveted upon a tall man, 
closely muffled in fur coat and cap, who descended from 
one of the rear coaches, and, after a quick, cautious glance 
about him, passed the silent, motionless figure in the 
shadow and hastily entered a carriage standing near. The 
other, listening intently for the instructions given the 
driver, caught the words, ‘‘ 545 Jefferson Street.” 

As the carriage rolled away, he emerged from the 
shadow and jotted down the address in a small note-book, 
soliloquizing as he did so, — 

3v3 


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I have tracked him to his lair at last, and now, unless 
that infernal hoodoo looms upon the scene, I can get in my 
work in good shape. I would have had my game weeks 
ago, but for his appearance, confound him !” 

He looked at his watch. Dinner first,” he muttered, 
“the next thing in order is to find the alias under which 
my gentleman is at present travelling. No one seems to 
know much about him in these parts.” 

The dim light revealed a man below medium height, his 
form enveloped in a heavy English mackintosh thrown care- 
lessly about his shoulders, which, as he made his notes, 
blew partially open, revealing an immaculate shirt front 
and a brilliant diamond which scintillated and sparkled in 
open defiance of the surrounding gloom. A soft felt hat 
well pulled down concealed his eyes and the upper part of 
his face, leaving visible only a slightly aquiline nose and 
heavy, black mustache, which gave his face something of a 
Jewish cast. Replacing his note-book in his pocket, he 
called a belated carriage, and hastily gave orders to be 
taken to the Clifton House. 

Arriving at the hotel, the stranger registered as “A. 
Rosenbaum, Berlin,” and, having secured one of the best 
rooms the house afforded, repaired to the dining-room. 
Dinner over, Mr. Rosenbaum betook himself to a quiet 
corner of the office, which served also as a reading-room, 
and soon was apparently absorbed in a number of Eastern 
papers, both English and German, though a keen observer 
would have noted that the papers were occasionally lowered 
sufficiently to give the eyes — again concealed beneath the 
hat-brim — an opportunity for reconnoitring the situation. 
He was attired in a black suit of faultless fit, and a superb 
ruby on his left hand gleamed and glowed like living fire, 
rivalling in beauty the flashing diamond. He speedily be- 
came the subject of considerable speculation among the 

303 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


various classes of men congregating in the hotel office, most 
of them for an evening of social enjoyment, though a few 
seemed to have gathered there for the purpose of conduct- 
ing business negotiations. Among the latter, after a time, 
was the tall man in fur coat and cap, who appeared to be 
waiting for some one with whom he had an appointment, 
as he shunned the crowd, selecting a seat near Mr. Rosen- 
baum as the most quiet place available. Having removed 
his cap and thrown back the high collar of his fur coat, he 
appeared to be a man of about fifty years of age, with iron- 
gray hair and a full, heavy beard of the same shade. He 
wore dark glasses, and, having seated himself with his back 
towards the light, drew forth from his pocket a number of 
voluminous type-written documents, and became absorbed 
in a perusal of their contents. 

Meanwhile, the proprietor of the Clifton House, feeling 
considerable curiosity regarding his new guest, sauntered 
over in his direction. 

‘‘Well, Mr. Rosenbaum,” he remarked, genially, “you 
have hit on rather a stormy night for your introduction to 
our city, for I take it you are a stranger here, are you not?” 

The soft hat was raised slightly, revealing a rather stolid, 
expressionless face, with dark eyes nearly concealed by long 
lashes. 

“ Not the most agreeable, certainly,” he answered, with 
an expressive shrug and a marked German accent, at the 
same time ignoring the other’s question. 

“ Your first impressions are not likely to be very pleasant, 
but if you stop over a few days you will see we have a fine 
city. Do you remain here long ?” 

“I cannot say at present; depends entirely upon busi- 
ness, you understand.” 

“ I see. What’s your line ?’ ’ 

For reply the stranger handed the other a small card, on 

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which was engraved, Rosenbaum Brothers, Diamond 
Brokers, Berlin, ’ ’ and bearing on one corner his own name, 
Rosenbaum.” 

‘‘Diamond brokers, eh? You don’t say!” exclaimed 
the proprietor, regarding the bit of pastboard with visible 
respect. “ Must be quite a business. You represent this 
firm, I suppose ; you are their salesman ?’ ’ 

The stranger shook his head with a smile. “ We have 
no salesmen,” he answered, quietly. “We have branch 
houses in Paris, London, and New York, but we employ no 
travelling salesmen. Any one can sell diamonds ; my busi- 
ness is to buy them, ’ ’ with marked emphasis on the last 
words. 

“Well,” said his interlocutor, “you’re not looking for 
’em out here, are you?” 

“ Why not here as well as anywhere ? So far as my ex- 
perience goes, it is nothing uncommon in this part of the 
country to run across owners of fine stones who, for one 
reason or another, are very glad to exchange the same for 
cash.” 

“Yes, I suppose so. When a fellow gets down to bed- 
rock, he’ll put up most anything to make a raise.” 

“There are many besides those who are down to bed- 
rock, as you call it, who are glad to make an exchange of 
that kind, ’ ’ said Mr. Rosenbaum, speaking with delibera- 
tion and keeping an eye upon his neighbor in the fur coat ; 
“but their reasons, whatever they may be, do not concern 
us; our business is simply to buy the gems wherever we 
can find them and ask no questions. ’ ’ 

By this time a fourth man was approaching in their direc- 
tion, evidently the individual for whom the man in the fur 
coat was waiting, and Mr. Rosenbaum, thinking it time to 
put an end to the conversation, rose and began to don his 
mackintosh. 


30s 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Surely you are not going out to-night !” said the pro- 
prietor ; ‘ * better stay indoors, and I’ll make you acquainted 
with some of the boys. ’ ’ 

‘‘Much obliged, but an important engagement compels 
me to forego that pleasure,” said Mr. Rosenbaum, and, 
bidding his host good-evening, he sallied forth, well aware 
that every word of their conversation had been overheard 
by their silent neighbor, notwithstanding the voluminous 
documents which seemed to engross his attention. 

Passing out into the night, he found the storm fast 
abating. Stopping at a news-stand, he inquired for a 
directory, which he carefully studied for a few moments, 
then walked down the principal thoroughfare until, coming 
to a side street, he turned and for a number of blocks 
passed up one street and down another, plunging at last 
into a dark alley. 

Upon emerging therefrom a block away, the soft felt hat 
had given place to a jaunty cap, while a pair of gold- 
rimpied eye-glasses perched upon the aquiline nose gave the 
wearer a decidedly youthful and d^bonnaire appearance. 
Approaching a secluded house in a dimly lighted location, 
he glanced sharply at the number, as though to reassure 
himself, then running swiftly up the front steps, he pulled 
the door-bell vigorously and awaited developments. After 
considerable delay the door was unlocked and partially 
opened by a hatchet- faced woman, who peered cautiously 
out, her features lighted by the uncertain rays of a 
candle which the draught momentarily threatened to extin- 
guish. 

“Good-evening, madam,” said the stranger, airily. 
“ Pardon such an unseasonable call, but I wish to see Mr. 
Lovering, who, I understand, has rooms here.” 

“There’s no such person rooming here,” she replied, 
sharply, her manner indicating that this bit of information 

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ended the interview, but her interlocutor was not to be so 
easily dismissed. 

‘‘No such person!” he exclaimed, at the same time 
scrutinizing in apparent perplexity a small card which he 
had produced. “J. D. Lovering, 545 Jefferson Street; 
isn’t this 545, madam?” 

“Yes,” she answered, testily, “this is 545 ; but there’s 
nobody here by the name of Lovering.” 

The young man turned as if to go. “Have you any 
roomers at present ?’ ’ he inquired, doubtfully. 

“ I have one, but his name is Mannering.” 

“ Mannering,” he repeated, thoughtfully, once more fac- 
ing her; “I wonder if I am not mistaken in the name? 
Will you kindly describe Mr. Mannering?” 

The woman hesitated, eying him suspiciously. “He 
ain’t likely to be the man you want,” she said, slowly, 
“ for he don’t have no callers, and he never goes anywhere, 
except out of the city once in a while on business. He’s 
an oldish man, with dark hair and beard streaked with gray, 
and he wears dark glasses. ’ ’ 

“Ah, no,” the young man interrupted hastily, “that is 
not the man at all; the man I am looking for is rather 
young and a decided blond. I am sorry to have troubled 
you, madam ; I beg a thousand pardons, ’ ’ and with profuse 
apologies he bowed himself down the steps, to the evident 
relief of the landlady. 

As the door closed behind him, Mr. Rosenbaum paused 
a moment to reconnoitre. The house he had just left was 
the only habitable building visible in the immediate vicinity, 
but a few rods farther down the street was a small cabin, 
whose dilapidated appearance indicated that it was unoccu- 
pied. Approaching the cabin cautiously, Mr. Rosenbaum 
tried the door ; it offered but slight resistance, and, enter- 
ing, he found it, as he had surmised, empty and deserted. 

307 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Stationing himself near a window which overlooked No. 
545, he regarded the isolated dwelling with considerable 
interest. It was a two-story structure with a long extension 
in the rear, only one story in height. With the exception 
of a dim light in this rear portion, the house was entirely 
dark, which led Mr. Rosenbaum to the conclusion that the 
landlady’s private apartments were in this part of the build- 
ing and remote from the room occupied by her lodger, 
which he surmised to be the front room on the second floor, 
a side window of which faced the cabin. 

For more than an hour Mr. Rosenbaum remained at his 
post, and at last had the satisfaction of seeing the tall figure 
in the fur coat approaching down the dimly lighted street. 
He ascended the steps of 545, let himself in with a night- 
key, and a moment later the gas in the upper front room 
was turned on, showing Mr. Rosenbaum’s surmise to be 
correct. For an instant the flaring flame revealed a pale 
face without the dark glasses, and with a full, dark beard 
tinged with gray ; then it was lowered and the window- 
blinds were closely drawn, precluding the possibility of fur- 
ther observation. The face was like and yet unlike what 
Mr. Rosenbaum had expected to see ; he determined upon 
a nearer and better view, without the dark glasses, before 
making any decisive move. 

The following evening, as soon as it was dusk, found Mr. 
Rosenbaum again at the window of the deserted cabin, 
keenly observant of No. 545. A faint light burned in the 
rear of the lower floor, while in the front room upstairs a 
fire was evidently burning in an open grate, the rest of the 
house being in darkness. Presently a man’s figure, tall and 
well formed, could be seen pacing up and down the room, 
appearing, vanishing, and reappearing in the wavering fire- 
light. For nearly an hour he continued his perambulation, 
his hands clasped behind him as though absorbed in deep 
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thought. At last, arousing himself from his revery, the 
man looked at his watch and vanished, reappearing ten 
minutes later at the front door, in the usual fur coat and 
cap, and, descending the steps, turned towards town and 
proceeded leisurely down the street, Mr. Rosenbaum fol- 
lowing at some distance, but always keeping him in view 
and gradually diminishing the distance between them as 
the thoroughfare became more crowded, till they were 
nearly opposite each other. 

Finally, the man paused before a restaurant and, turning, 
looked carefully up and down the street. For the first time 
he observed Mr. Rosenbaum and seemed to regard him with 
close attention, but the latter gentleman was absorbed in 
the contemplation of an assortment of diamonds and various 
gems displayed in a jeweller’s window, directly opposite the 
restaurant. In the mirrored back of the show-case the res- 
taurant was plainly visible, and Mr. Rosenbaum noted with 
satisfaction the other’s evident interest in himself, and con- 
tinued to study the contents of the show-case till the man 
had entered the restaurant, seating himself at one of the 
unoccupied tables. Having observed his man well started 
on the first course of dinner, Mr. Rosenbaum crossed the 
street slowly, entered the restaurant and with a pre-occupied 
air seated himself at the same table with Mr. Mannering. 
After giving his order, he proceeded to unfold the evening 
paper laid beside his plate, without even a glance at his 
vis-a-vis. His thoughts, however, were not on the printed 
page, but upon the man opposite, whom he had followed 
from city to city, hearing of him by various names and 
under various guises ; hitherto unable to obtain more than 
a fleeting glimpse of him, but now brought face to face. 

Alias Henry J. Mannering at last!” he commented 
mentally, as he refolded his paper ; ‘ ‘ you have led me a 
long chase, my man, but you and I will now have our little 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


game, and I will force you to show your hand before it is 
over!” 

Glancing casually across at his neighbor, he found the 
dark glasses focussed upon himself with such fixity that he 
responded with a friendly nod, and, making some trivial re- 
mark, found Mr. Mannering not at all averse to conversation. 

A few commonplaces were exchanged until the arrival of 
Mr. Rosenbaum’s order, when the other remarked, — 

* ^ Evidently you do not find the cuisine of the Clifton 
House entirely satisfactory. ’ ’ 

*‘It is very good,” Mr. Rosenbaum answered, indiffer- 
ently, ‘‘but an occasional change is agreeable. By the 
way, sir, have I met you at the Clifton ? I do not remember 
to have had that pleasure. ’ ’ 

“We have not met,” replied the other. “I saw you 
there last evening, however, as I happened in soon after 
your arrival. ’ ’ 

“Ah, so? I am very deficient in remembering faces.” 

Mr. Mannering hesitated a moment, then remarked with 
a smile, “I, on the contrary, am quite observant of faces, 
and yours seems somewhat familiar ; have I not seen you 
elsewhere than here ?’ ’ 

Mr. Rosenbaum raised his eyebrows in amusement. ‘ ‘ It 
is very possible you have, my dear sir ; I travel constantly, 
and for aught that I know you may have seen me in nearly 
every city on the globe. May I inquire your business, sir ? 
Do you also travel ?” 

“No,” said Mr. Mannering, slowly, but apparently re- 
lieved by Mr. Rosenbaum’s answer, “ I am not engaged in 
any particular line of business at present. I am interested 
in mining to a considerable extent, and am out here just 
now looking after my properties. How do you find busi- 
ness in your line ?’ ’ 

Mr. Rosenbaum shook his head with a slight shrug. 

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Nothing so far to make it worth my while to stay. You 
see, sir, for such a trade as ours we want only the finest 
gems that can be bought ; we have no use for ordinary 
stones, and that is all I have seen here so far ; ” and, hav- 
ing thrown out his bait, he awaited results. 

A long pause followed, while Mr. Mannering toyed with 
his fork, drawing numerous diagrams on the table-cloth. 
‘ ‘ I think, ’ ’ he said at last, slowly, * ^ that I could get you 
one or two fine diamonds if you cared to buy and would 
give anything like their true valuation. ’ ’ 

‘‘That would depend, of course, upon the quality of the 
diamonds ; really fine gems we are always ready to buy and 
to pay a good price for. ’ ’ 

“If I am any judge of diamonds, these are valuable 
stones,” said Mr. Mannering, “and the owner of them, 
who is a friend of mine, being himself a connoisseur in 
that line, would not be likely to entertain any false ideas 
regarding their value. ’ ’ 

“And your friend wishes to sell them?” 

“ I am inclined to think that he might dispose of one or 
two for a sufficient consideration, subject, however, to one 
condition, — that no questions will be asked. ’ ’ 

“That goes without saying, my dear sir; asking ques- 
tions is not our business. We are simply looking for the 
finest stones that money can buy, without regard to any- 
thing else. Perhaps, ’ ’ added Mr. Rosenbaum, tentatively, 
“we might arrange with your friend for a meeting between 
the three of us. ’ ’ 

“ That would be impracticable,” Mr. Mannering replied ; 
“he is out of the city; and furthermore I know he would 
not care to appear in the transaction, but would prefer to 
have me conduct the negotiations. I was going to suggest 
that if you were to remain here a few days, I shall see my 
friend in a day or so, as I am going out to look over some 

311 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


mining properties in which we are both interested, and I 
could bring in some of the gems with me, and we might 
then see what terms we could make. ’ ’ 

can remain over, sir, if you can make it an object 
for me, and if the stones prove satisfactory I have no doubt 
we can make terms. Why, sir,” Mr. Rosenbaum leaned 
across the table and his voice assumed a confidential tone, 
** money would be no object with me if I could get one or 
two particular gems that I want. For instance, I have one 
diamond that I would go to the ends of the earth and pay 
a small fortune when I got there, if I could only find a per- 
fect match for it !” and he launched forth upon an enthusi- 
astic description of the stone, expatiating upon its enormous 
size, its wonderful brilliancy and perfection, adding in con- 
clusion, ‘‘and its workmanship shows it to be at least two 
hundred years old ! Think of that, sir ! What would I 
not give to be able to match it ! ” 

A peculiar expression flitted over his listener’s face, not 
unobserved by Mr. Rosenbaum. He made no immediate 
response, however, but when at last the two men separated, 
it was with the agreement that they should dine together at 
the same caf(§ three days later, when Mr. Mannering would 
have returned from his conference with his friend, at which 
time, if the latter cared to dispose of his jewels, they would 
be submitted for inspection. 

Upon retiring to his room that night, Mr. Rosenbaum 
sat for some time in deep abstraction, and when he finally 
.turned off the gas, he murmured, — 

“He will produce the jewels all right, and may heaven 
preserve us both from the hoodoo !” 

For the two days next ensuing, Mr. Rosenbaum watched 
closely the arrivals in the city, but, notwithstanding his 
vigilance, there slipped in unaware, on the evening of the 
second day, a quiet, unassuming man, who went to the 

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Windsor Hotel, registering there as J. Johnson, Chi- 
cago." At a late hour, while Mr. Rosenbaum, in the 
solitude of his own room, was perfecting his plans for the 
following day, Mr. Johnson, who was making a tour of in- 
spection among the leading hotels, sauntered carelessly into 
the office of the Clifton. He seemed rather socially 
inclined, and soon was engaged in conversation with the 
proprietor and a dozen of the ‘‘boys," all of whom were 
informed that he was travelling through the West on the 
lookout for “snaps" in the way of mining investments. 
This announcement produced general good feeling, and 
there were not wanting plenty who offered to take Mr. 
Johnson around the city on the following day and introduce 
him to the leading mining men and promoters. 

“Much obliged, boys," said Mr. Johnson, “but there’s 
no rush. I expect to meet some friends here in a few days, 
and till they come I shall simply look around on the q. t., 
you understand, and make some observations for myself. 
And that reminds me, gentlemen," he added, “do any of 
you happen to know a man by the name of Mannering, who 
is interested in mines out here?" 

“ Mannering?" answered one of the group ; “ there’s a 
man by that name has been around here off and on for the 
last two or three months ; but I didn’t know he was inter- 
ested in mines to any extent, though he seems to have 
plenty of money." 

‘ ‘ I think that is the man I have in mind ; will you de- 
scribe him ?’ ’ 

“Well, he’s tall, about middle age, rather gray, wears 
blue glasses, and never has anything to say to anybody ; a 
queer sort of fellow. ’ ’ 

Mr. Johnson nodded, but before he could reply, another 
in the group remarked, “Oh, that’s the fellow you mean, 
is it? I’ve seen him at the Royal Cafe for the last six 

313 , 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


weeks, and in all that time he’s never exchanged a dozen 
words with anybody, till here, the other night, that diamond 
Dutchman of yours, ’ ’ addressing the proprietor of the Clif- 
ton, came waltzing in there, and I’ll be hanged if the two 
didn’t get as confidential over their dinner as two old women 
over a cup of tea. ’ ’ 

Mr. Johnson turned towards the proprietor with a quiet 
smile. The * diamond Dutchman! ’ Is he a guest of your 
house?” 

‘‘ Mr. Rosenbaum ? Yes ; do you know him ?’ ’ 

‘^Not by name, but I think I have seen the gentleman 
on my travels; engaged in the jewelry business, isn’t he, 
and carries his advertisements on his shirt-front and fin- 
gers?” 

That’s the man,” the proprietor replied, amid a general 
laugh. ‘‘Why? He’s all right, isn’t he?” 

“All right for aught that I know, sir; I haven’t the 
pleasure of the gentleman’s acquaintance, though possibly 
I may have if we both remain here long enough, ’ ’ and he 
carelessly turned the subject of conversation. 

A little later, as Mr. Johnson left the Clifton, he solilo- 
quized, “Well, if I haven’t exactly killed two birds with 
one stone, I think I’ve snared two birds in one trap. Since 
coming West I haven’t located one without seeing or hear- 
ing of the other; it’s my belief they’re ‘pals,’ and if I 
can pull in the pair, so much the better.” 

The following evening found Mr. Johnson in the vicin- 
ity of the Royal Cafe ; having discovered a small news- 
stand opposite, he strolled in thither, and, buying a couple 
of papers, seated himself in a quiet corner, prepared to 
take observations. He had not waited long when Mr. 
Mannering made his appearance, and, after pausing a 
moment to look up and down the street, entered the 
restaurant. He had been seated but a moment when Mr. 

- 3H 


RUN TO COVER 


Rosenbaum appeared, crossing the street, having evidently- 
left the jeweller’s store, and also entered the cafe. The 
two men shook hands and immediately withdrew to one of 
the private boxes. Mr. Johnson had visited the Royal 
Caft earlier in the day and made himself familiar with its 
interior arrangement. Knowing the box just taken to be 
No. 3, and that No. 4 directly opposite was unoccupied, he 
at once proceeded across the street to the restaurant. 
Stopping at the cashier’s desk, he said in a low tone, — 

‘‘I expect some friends later, and don’t wish to be 
disturbed till they come ; understand ?’ ’ 

The man nodded, and Mr. Johnson passed on noiselessly 
into No. 4. Meanwhile, the occupants of No. 3 having 
received their orders, dismissed the waiter, with the in- 
formation that when they needed his services they would 
ring for him. Mr. Mannering was visibly excited, so 
much so that his dinner remained almost untasted, and the 
other, observing his evident agitation, pushed aside his own 
plate and, folding his arms upon the table, inquired in- 
differently, — 

Well, my dear sir, what was your friend’s decision?” 

For reply, the other drew from his pocket a small case, 
which he silently handed across the table. Mr. Rosenbaum 
opened it, disclosing, as he did so, a pair of diamonds of 
moderate size, but of unusual brilliancy and perfectly 
matched. He examined them silently, scrutinizing them 
closely, while his face indicated considerable dissatisfac- 
tion. 

What does your friend expect for these?” he asked at 
length. 

‘‘What will you give for them?” was the counter- 
question. 

“ I do not care to set a price on them, for I do not want 
them, ’ ’ he replied, rather shortly. 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


think,” said Mr. Mannering, ‘‘that my friend would 
dispose of them at a reasonable figure, as he is at present 
in need of ready cash with which to consummate an im- 
portant mining negotiation. ’ ’ 

After considerable fencing and parrying, Mr. Rosen- 
baum made an offer for the gems, to which Mr. Mannering 
demurred. 

** Show me a higher class of gems and I will offer you a 
better price,” said Mr. Rosenbaum, finally seeming to 
grow impatient. ** Show me one like this, for instance, and 
I will offer you a small fortune, ’ ’ and opening a case which 
he had quickly drawn from his pocket, he took from it an 
enormous diamond, beside whose dazzling brilliancy the 
pair of gems under consideration seemed suddenly to grow 
dim and lustreless. He held it up and a thousand rays of 
prismatic light flashed in as many different directions. 

*‘What do you think of that, my dear sir? When 
I can find a match for that magnificent stone, we can 
fill an order which we have held for more than twelve 
months from the royal house in Germany. But where will 
I find it?” 

Twirling the gem carelessly between his thumb and 
finger, he watched the face of his companion and saw it 
change to a deathly pallor. 

‘‘May I see that for one moment?” he asked, and his 
voice sounded unnatural and constrained, while the hand 
which he extended across the table trembled visibly. 

“Most certainly, sir,” Mr. Rosenbaum replied, and, in 
compliance with the request, handed to Mr. Mannering the 
gem which the latter had himself disposed of less than 
three months before in one of the large Western cities. 
Nothing could escape the piercing eyes now fastened upon 
that face with its strange pallor, its swiftly changing ex- 
pression. Unconscious of this scrutiny, Mr. Mannering 

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regarded the gem silently, then removed his glasses for a 
closer inspection. Having satisfied his curiosity, he re- 
turned the stone to Mr. Rosenbaum, and as he did so, 
found the eyes of the latter fixed not upon the gem, but 
upon his own face. Something in their glance seemed to 
disconcert him for an instant, but he quickly recovered 
himself, and, replacing the colored glasses, remarked with 
a forced composure, — 

‘‘That is a magnificent stone. May I ask when and 
where you found it?” 

“ I picked it up in one of your cities some three months 
ago, maybe, more or less. ’ ’ 

“You bought it in this country, then ? Why may you not 
expect to match it here ?’ ’ 

“Simply on the theory, my dear sir, that the lightning 
never strikes twice in the same place. ’ ’ 

“Well, sir,” said Mr. Mannering, calmly, “ I will show 
you a stone so perfect a match for that, you yourself could 
not distinguish between the two. ’ ’ 

“You have such a diamond!” Mr. Rosenbaum ex- 
claimed; “why then are you wasting time with these?” 
and he pushed the smaller diamonds from him with a ges- 
ture of contempt. “Why did you not produce it in the 
first place?” 

“ Because,” replied Mr. Mannering, his composure now 
fully restored, “ I do not propose to produce it until I 
know somewhere near what you will give for it. ’ ’ 

“My dear sir,” Mr. Rosenbaum’s tones became eager, 
“as I have already told you, if I can match this stone,” 
placing it on the table between them, “I will pay you a 
small fortune ; money would be no object ; you could have 
your own price. ’ * 

Without further words, Mr. Mannering drew forth a 
small package, which he carefully opened, and, taking 

317 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


therefrom an exact duplicate of the wonderful gem, placed 
it upon the table beside the latter. 

With a smile which the other did not see, Mr. Rosen- 
baum bent his head to examine the stones ; he had recog- 
nized his man in the brief instant that their eyes had met, 
and now, within his grasp, lay, as he well knew from the 
description which he carried, two of the finest diamonds in 
the famous Mainwaring collection of jewels, stolen less 
than six months before ; his triumph was almost com- 
plete. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Johnson, who had overheard much of 
their conversation, was congratulating himself upon the 
near success of his own schemes, when the officiousness of 
a waiter overthrew the plans of all parties and produced 
the greatest confusion. Catching sight of the gentleman 
waiting in No. 4, he ignored the cashier’s instructions and 
entered the box to take his order. Mr. Johnson’s reply, 
low and brief though it was, caught the quick ear of Mr. 
Rosenbaum, who muttered under his breath, — 

The hoodoo ! confound him !” 

At the same instant a draught lifted the curtain to No. 3, 
revealing to the astonished Mannering a view of Mr. John- 
son’s profile in the opposite box. His own face grew 
white as the table-cloth before him ; he reached wildly for 
the diamond, but both gems were gone, and Rosenbaum 
confronted him with a most sinister expression. 

* * My diamond ! ” he gasped. 

‘‘The diamonds are safe,” replied the other in a low 
tone, “and you,” addressing Mannering by his true name, 
“ the more quiet you are just now the better.” 

The elder man’s face grew livid with rage and fear, and, 
rising suddenly to his feet, his tall form towered far above 
Rosenbaum. 

“Wretch!” he hissed, with an oath, “you have be- 
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trayed me, curse you ! ’ ’ and, dealing the smaller man a 
blow which floored him, he rushed from the box. 

In an instant Rosenbaum staggered to his feet, and, 
pausing only long enough to make sure of the safety of the 
jewels, rushed from the cafe, reaching the street just in 
time to see his man jump into a cab, which whirled swiftly 
and started down the street at break-neck speed. Two 
cabmen, talking at a short distance, hurried to the scene, 
and, calling one of them, Mr. Rosenbaum hastily took a 
second cab and started in pursuit of the first, but not before 
he had caught a glimpse of Mr. Johnson making active 
preparations to follow them both. 

‘ ‘ Hang that fellow ! ” he muttered, as he heard wheels 
behind him. This is the third time he has spoiled the 
game ; but I’ve got the winning hand, and he’ll not beat 
me out of it !” 

By this time the first cab, having turned a corner a short 
distance ahead, was out of sight, but Rosenbaum, con- 
vinced from the direction taken of its destination, and 
knowing a more direct route, shouted to the driver what 
streets to follow, and to come out upon the alley near No. 
545 Jefferson Street. 

‘^The old fellow will think I’ve lost the trail when he 
finds he’s not followed,” he soliloquized, amid the joltings 
of the vehicle, ‘^and maybe it will throw the hoodoo off 
the track.” 

But Mr. Johnson had no intention of being thrown off. 
He had seen cab No. 2 take a different course, and, having 
lost sight of No. I , decided that a bird in the hand would 
be worth two in the bush, and that he would follow up the 
<^pal.” 

As cab No. 2 approached Jefferson Street, Rosenbaum 
called to the driver to slacken and drive on the dark side 
of the alley. He jumped out to reconnoitre ; a cab was 

319 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


just stopping at No. 545, a tall figure got out and hastily- 
disappeared up the steps, while the cab whirled rapidly 
away. 

‘‘Turn about, drive back quietly, and answer no ques- 
tions,” Rosenbaum said, slipping a bill into the driver’s 
hand, and then glided swiftly through the shadow to No. 
545. His manoeuvres were seen, however, by Mr. John- 
son, who immediately proceeded to follow his example. 

Running quickly up the steps to No. 545, Rosenbaum 
produced a bunch of skeleton keys, which he proceeded to 
try. The first was useless, the second ditto; he heard 
steps approaching; the third fitted the lock, but, as it 
turned, a hand was laid upon his shoulder, a dark lantern 
flashed in his face, and a voice said, — 

“ Your game is up, my man ; you had better come with 
me as peaceably as possible ! ’ ’ 

For answer, the other turned quickly, and, without a 
word, lifted the lapel of his coat, where a star gleamed 
brightly in the rays of the lantern. 

The hand holding the lantern dropped suddenly, and its 
owner ejaculated, “Heavens and earth! what does this 
mean ? Who are you ?’ ’ 

“I am Dan McCabe, at your service,” was the cool 
reply ; then, as the other remained speechless with aston- 
ishment, McCabe continued : “ I’ve no time to waste with 
you, Mr. Merrick ; we may have a desperate piece of work 
on hand ; but if you’ll come with me, I give you my word 
for it that before this job is over you’ll meet the biggest 
surprise of your life.” 

Pushing open the door, McCabe noiselessly climbed the 
stairs, beckoning Merrick to follow. By the light of the 
dark lantern he selected the door leading to the room occu- 
pied by Mannering, and, after listening a moment, nodded 
significantly to Merrick. 


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** Is he there?” the latter whispered. 

He is there,” said McCabe, grimly, ‘‘but not the man 
you are looking for. I’ll tell you who is there,” and he 
whispered in his ear. 

Merrick staggered as if from a blow. “Great God!” 
he exclaimed aloud. 

There was a sudden sound within as of some one fright- 
ened and moving hastily. McCabe again called the man 
by name, and demanded admittance. There was a mo- 
ment’s silence, and then McCabe, with Merrick’s aid, 
forced in the door, and as it yielded there came from within 
the sharp report of a revolver, followed by a heavy groan. 


at 


321 


CHAPTER XXVI 


MAINWARING VS. MAINWARING 

^ The case of Mainwaring versus Mainwaring had been 
set for the opening of the December term of court, being 
the first case on the docket. The intervening weeks, 
crowded with preparation for the coming litigation, had 
passed, and now, on the eve of the contest, each side having 
marshalled its forces, awaited the beginning of the fray, 
each alike confident of victory and each alike little dream- 
ing of the end. From near and far was gathered an array of 
legal talent as well as of expert testimony seldom equalled, 
all for the purpose of determining the validity or invalidity 
of a bit of paper — yellow with age, time-worn and musty 
— ^which stood as an insurmountable barrier between Ralph 
Mainwaring and the fulfilment of his long cherished project. 

The Fair Oaks tragedy still remained as deep a mystery 
as on the morning when, in all its horror of sickening 
detail, it had startled and shocked the entire community. 
No trace of the murderer had been as yet reported, and 
even Mr. Whitney had been forced to acknowledge in 
reply to numerous inquiries that he had of late received no 
tidings whatever from Merrick, either of success or failure. 

Since the announcement of Harold Mainwaring at the 
club that he would not touch a farthing of the Mainwaring 
estate until not only his own name should be cleared of the 
slightest imputation of murder, but until the murder itself 
should be avenged, it had been rumored that the party at 
the Waldorf was in possession of facts containing the clue 
to the whole mystery. Though this was mere conjecture, 

322 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


it was plainly evident that whatever secrets that party held 
in its possession were not likely to be divulged before their 
time. The party had been augmented by the arrival of the 
senior member of the firm of Barton & Barton, while the 
register of the Waldorf showed at that time numerous other 
arrivals from London, all of whom proved to be individuals 
of a severely judicial appearance and on extremely intimate 
terms with the original Waldorf party. Of the business of 
the former, however, or the movements of the latter, noth- 
ing definite could be learned. Despatches in cipher still 
flashed daily over the wires, but their import remained a 
matter of the merest surmise to the curious world outside. 

Ralph Mainwaring, on the contrary, since the arrival of 
his London attorneys, Upham and Blackwell, with Graham, 
the well-known chirographical expert, had seized every op- 
portunity for rendering himself and them as conspicuous as 
possible, while his boasts of their well-laid plans, the strong 
points in their case, and their ultimate triumph, formed his 
theme on all occasions. Mr. Whitney’s position at this 
time was not an enviable one, for Ralph Mainwaring, having 
of late become dimly conscious of a lack of harmony be- 
tween himself and his New York attorney, took special 
delight in frequently flouting his opinions and advice in the 
presence of the English solicitors ; but that gentleman, 
mindful of a rapidly growing account, wisely pocketed his 
pride, and continued to serve his client with the most urbane 
courtesy, soothing his wounded sensibilities with an extra 
fee for every snub. 

On the day prior to that set for the opening of the trial, 
among the numerous equipages drawn up at one of the 
piers, awaiting an incoming ocean-liner, was the Main- 
waring carriage, containing, as usual, Ralph Mainwaring, 
Upham and Blackwell, and Mr. Whitney. The carriage 
and its occupants formed the centre of attraction to a con- 

323 , 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


siderable portion of the crowd, until attention was suddenly 
diverted by the sight of a stylish turnout in the shape of an 
elegant trap and a pair of superb bays driven tandem, which 
passed the Mainwaring carriage and took its position at 
some distance nearer the pier. Seated in the trap were 
Harold Mainwaring and Hugh Mainwaring, junior. Their 
appearance together at that particular time and place excited 
no little wonder and comment, especially when, the gang- 
plank having been thrown down, the young men left the 
turnout in care of a policeman and walked rapidly towards 
the hurrying stream of passengers, followed more slowly by 
Ralph Mainwaring and his party. 

All was explained a few moments later, as that embodi- 
ment of geniality, William Mainwaring Thornton, loomed 
up in the crowd, his daughter upon one arm, upon the 
other Miss Carleton, and accompanied by Mrs. Hogarth 
and the usual retinue of attendants. 

Looks like a family reunion, by George!” exclaimed 
one of the on-lookers, as a general exchange of greetings 
ensued, but to a close observer it was evident that between 
some members of the different parties the relations were 
decidedly strained. No so with Mr. Thornton, however ; 
his first greetings were for the young men. 

‘‘Well, well, Hugh, you contumacious young rascal! 
how are you ? I hear you’ve kicked over the traces and set 
the governor and his sovereigns at defiance ! Well, you’ve 
shown yourself a Mainwaring, that’s all I have to say! 
Here is a young lady, however, who is waiting to give you 
a piece of her mind ; you’ll have to settle with her.” 

“Papa!” exclaimed Edith Thornton in faint protest, 
her fair face suffused with blushes as she came forward to 
meet her lover, while her father turned towards Harold 
Mainwaring. 

“Well, my dear sir,” he said, extending his hand with 

324 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


the utmost cordiality, I am glad to meet you in your own 
proper sphere at last ; I always thought you were far too 
good looking for a secretary ! But, joking aside, my dear 
boy, let me assure you that as the son of Harold Scott 
Mainwaring, one of the most royal fellows I ever knew, I 
congratulate you and wish you success. ’ ’ 

Deeply touched by Mr. Thornton’s kindness and his 
allusion to his father, the young man thanked him with con- 
siderable emotion. 

‘ * That is all right, ’ ’ the elder man responded heartily ; 
** I was very sorry not to have met you in London, but I 
heard the particulars of your story from Winifred, and — 
well, I consider her a very level-headed young woman, and 
I think you are to be congratulated on that score also. ’ ’ 

No one is better aware of that fact than I,” said the 
young man, warmly, and passed on to meet the young 
ladies, while Mr. Thornton turned to confront the frowning 
face of Ralph Mainwaring. 

Hello, Mainwaring ! what’s the matter ? you look black 
as a thunder-cloud ! Did you have something indigestible 
for luncheon ?’ ’ 

‘ ^ Matter enough I should say, ’ ’ growled the other, un- 
successfully trying to ignore Mr. Thornton’s outstretched 
hand, ‘ ‘ to find you hobnobbing with that blackguard ! ’ ’ 

Mr. Thornton glanced over his shoulder at the young 
people with a comical look of perplexity. “ Well, you see 
how it is yourself, Mainwaring : what is a fellow to do ? 
This is a house divided against itself, as it were, and no 
matter what my personal sentiments towards you might be, 
I find myself forced to maintain a position of strict neu- 
trality. ’ ’ 

^ ^ Neutrality be damned ! you had better maintain better 
parental government in your own family ! ’ ’ 

As you do in yours, for instance.” 

325 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


‘‘You know very well, ” continued Ralph Mainwaring, 
flushing angrily, “that if you had forbidden Edith marry- 
ing Hugh under present conditions, he would have got 
down off his high horse very quickly.” 

“That is something I would never do,” Mr. Thornton 
replied, calmly, “ for two reasons ; first, I have never gov- 
erned my daughter by direct commands and prohibitions, 
and, second, I think just as much of Hugh Mainwaring 
without his father’s money as with it; more, if it is to be 
accompanied with the conditions which you imposed. ’ ’ 

“Then am I to understand,” demanded the other, 
angrily, “ that you intend to go against me in this matter?” 

“My dear Mainwaring,” said Mr. Thornton, much as 
he would address a petulant child, ‘ ‘ this is all the merest 
nonsense. I am not going against you, for I have no part 
in this contest ; my position is necessarily neutral ; but if 
you want my opinion of the whole matter, I will tell you 
frankly that I think, for once in your life, you have bitten 
off more than you can swallow, and you will find it so 
before long. ’ ’ 

“ Perhaps it might be just as well to reserve your opinion 
till it is called for,” the other answered, shortly. 

“All right,” returned Mr. Thornton, with imperturbable 
good humor ; “ but any time that you want to wager a thou- 
sand or so on the outcome of this affair, remember the 
money is ready for you ! ’ ’ 

The conversation changed, but Ralph Mainwaring was 
far more chagrined and annoyed than he would have ac- 
knowledged. Mr. Thornton’s words rang in his ears till 
they seemed an augury of defeat, and, though outwardly as 
dogged and defiant as ever, he was unable to banish them, 
or to throw off the strange sense of depression which fol- 
lowed. 

Meanwhile, amid the discordant elements surrounding 
326 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


them, Harold Mainwaring and Winifred Carleton found 
little opportunity for any but the most desultory conversa- 
tion, but happily there was little need for words between 
them. Heart can speak to heart through the subtile mag- 
netism of a hand-clasp, or the swift flash from eye to 
eye, conveying meanings for which words often prove in- 
adequate. 

‘‘You wrote that you were confident of victory, and your 
looks bear it out,” she said, with a radiant smile; “but I 
would have come just the same, even had there been no 
hope of success for you. ’ ’ 

“ I need no assurance of your faith and loyalty,” he re- 
plied, gazing tenderly into her luminous eyes, “but your 
coming will make my triumph ten times sweeter. ’ ’ 

“Of course you will spend the evening with us at our 
hotel, — uncle cabled for apartments at the Savoy, — ^and I am 
all impatience to learn whatever you are at liberty to tell 
me concerning your case, for there must have been some 
wonderful developments in your favor soon after your arrival 
in this country, you have seemed so much more hopeful ; 
and do not let me forget, I have something to show you 
which will interest you. It is a written statement by Hugh 
Mainwaring himself regarding this identical will that is 
causing all this controversy. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ A statement of Hugh Mainwaring’ s ! ’ ’ Harold repeated 
in astonishment; “how did it come into your posses- 
sion?” 

“That is the strangest part of it,” she replied, hur- 
riedly, for they had now reached the carriages in waiting 
for them. “ I received it through the mail, from America, a 
few days before I left London, and from — you cannot im- 
agine whom — Mr. Merrick, the detective. How he ever 
knew my address, or how he should surmise that I was par- 
ticularly interested in you,” she blushed very prettily with 

327 . 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


these words, “ is more than I can understand, how- 
ever. * ’ 

‘‘I think I can explain that part of it,” said Harold, 
with a smile ; but how such a statement ever came into 
his hands is a mystery to me. I will see you this evening 
without fail, ’ ’ and, assisting Miss Carleton into the carriage, 
he bade her au revoir^ and hastened to rejoin young Main- 
waring. 

That evening witnessed rather a novel reception in the 
private parlors of the Savoy ; both parties to the coming 
contest being entertained by their mutual friends. When 
Harold Mainwaring finally succeeded in securing a tHe-d- 
tete conversation with Miss Carleton, she placed in his 
hands a small packet, saying, — 

‘‘ You will find in this the statement of which I spoke to 
you, and I wish you would also read the accompanying note, 
and explain how the writer came to have so good an under- 
standing of the situation.” 

With eager haste he drew forth a sheet of paper little less 
time-worn and yellowed than the ancient will itself, upon 
which was written, in the methodical business hand with 
which he was so familiar, a brief statement to the effect that 
a certain accompanying document described as the last will 
and testament of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring had been 
drawn and executed as such on the night preceding his 
death, its intent and purpose being to reconvey to an elder 
son the family estate, to which he had previously forfeited 
all right and title ; that efforts made to communicate with 
the beneficiary had proved unavailing, as he had left the 
country and his place of residence was unknown. Then 
followed Hugh Mainwaring’ s signature. At the bottom of 
the page, however, was a foot-note of much later date, 
which put a different complexion on the foregoing, and 
which read as follows : 


328 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


It has now been ascertained for a certainty that the 
beneficiary mentioned in the accompanying will is no 
longer living. I have, therefore, a clear title to the estate, as 
it would revert to me at his death. The document itself 
is worthless, except as a possible means of silencing that 
scoundrel, Hobson, should he attempt to reveal anything of 
the past, as he has threatened to do, and for this purpose I 
shall retain it in my possession until such time as I make 
final adjustment of my affairs. 

*‘Hugh Mainwaring.” 

^‘Ah,” said Harold Mainwaring, thoughtfully, as he 
suddenly recalled the morning when he had discovered Mer- 
rick and his assistant dragging the lake at Fair Oaks, ‘‘I 
think I understand how this paper came into Merrick’s 
possession. It was evidently kept in the same receptacle 
which held the will, but in my haste and excitement at the 
discovery of the will I must have overlooked it. The box 
in which these papers were kept afterwards fell into Mer- 
rick’s hands, and he must have found this.” 

‘‘That solves one riddle, here is the other,” and Miss 
Carleton handed her lover a small note, covered with a fine, 
delicate chirography whose perfectly formed characters re- 
vealed a mind accustomed to the study of minute details 
and appreciative of their significance. He opened it and 
read the following : 

“ My dear Miss Carleton : 

“ Pardon the liberty I take, but, thinking the enclosed 
bit of paper might be of some possible assistance to one in 
whose success I believe you are deeply interested, I send it 
herewith, as, for obvious reasons, I deem this circuitous 
method of transmission better than one more direct. 

“ As when taking leave of you on board the ‘ Campania,’ 
329 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


so now, permit me to assure you that if I can ever serve 
you as a friend, you have but to command me. 

‘‘ Most sincerely yours, 

D. Merrick.” 

A smile of amusement lighted Harold Mainwaring’s 
face as, glancing up from the note, his eyes met those of 
Miss Carleton’s with their expression of perplexed inquiry. 

This is easily explained,” he said ; ‘Mo you remember 
the tall, slender man whom we observed on board the 
‘ Campania’ as being rather unsocial and taciturn?” 

“Yes, I remember he rather annoyed me, for I fancied 
he concentrated considerably more thought and attention 
upon us than the circumstances called for.” 

“ Which shows you were more observing than I. Such 
a thought never entered my mind till I had been about ten 
days in London, when it occurred to me that, considering 
the size of the town and the fact that he and I were stran- 
gers, we met with astonishing frequency. I have since 
learned that he was a detective sent over to London on an 
important case, and being an intimate friend of Merrick’s, 
the latter, who, I am informed, was shadowing me pretty 
closely at the time, requested him to follow my movements 
and report to him, which he evidently did, as I have since 
heard that Merrick had expressed to one or two that he was 
not at all surprised by the developments which followed my 
return to this country. Consequently, it is not to be won- 
dered at if he has an inkling that you may be somewhat 
interested in this case. ’ ’ 

“But what could have been Mr. Merrick’s object in 
shadowing you ?’ ’ 

“ I cannot say. It may have been only part of his profes- 
sional vigilance in letting nothing escape his observation ; 
but from the first I was conscious of his close espionage of 

330 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


my movements. Now, however, I am satisfied that he had 
none but friendly intentions, and I appreciate his kindness, 
not only towards myself, but more especially towards you. ’ ’ 

“Will that statement be of any assistance to you, do you 
think?” 

“ I hardly think so under our present plans,” he replied, 
after a moment’s reflection; “under recent developments 
our plans differ so radically from what we first intended, 
that we will probably have little use for any of the testi- 
mony which we had originally prepared.” 

^ ^ But these recent developments which have so changed 
your plans must certainly have been in your favor and have 
rendered your success the more assured, have they not ?’ ’ 

“ Not only more assured, but more speedy and complete. 
To me, the coming trial means far more than the settle- 
ment of the controversy over the estate ; it means the 
complete and final vindication of my character, so that I 
can stand before you and before the world acquitted of 
every charge which my enemies would have sought to 
bring against me. ’ ’ 

Her face grew radiant with sympathy. “ I well know 
what that means to you, ana I would be first to congratu- 
late you on such a victory, for your own sake ; but I 
needed no public acquittal to convince me of your inno- 
cence, — not even,” she added, slowly, “ when you yourself, 
for some reason, which I hope one day to understand, were 
unable to assure me of it. ’ ’ 

His dark eyes, glowing with suppressed feeling, met hers, 
the intensity of their gaze thrilling her heart to its inmost 
depths. 

“ Do not think that I can ever forget that,” he said in 
low tones which seemed to vibrate through her whole 
being; “do not think that through any triumphs or joys 
which the future may bring, I can ever forget, for one 

331 


"THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


moment, the faith and love which stood loyally by me in 
my darkest hour, — the hour when the shadow of the crime, 
which has forever darkened Fair Oaks, was closing about 
my very soul ! ’ ’ 

Startled at the sudden solemnity of his words and 
manner, she remained silent, her eyes meeting his without 
a shade of doubt or distrust, but full of wondering, tender 
inquiry, to which he replied, while for an instant he laid 
his hand lightly and caressingly on hers, ‘‘ Only a few days 
longer, love, and I will tell you all !” 

On the morning of the following day a dense crowd 
awaited, at an early hour, the opening of the December 
term of court ; a crowd which was steadily augmented till, 
when the case of Mainwaring versus Mainwaring was 
called, every available seat was filled. All parties to the 
suit were promptly on hand, and amid a silence almost 
oppressive, proponent and contestant, with their counsel 
and witnesses, passed down the long aisle to their respective 
places. 

Seldom had the old court-room, in its long and varied 
history, held so imposing an array of legal talent as was 
assembled that morning within its walls. The principal 
attorneys for the contestant were Hunnewell & Whitney 
of New York, and the London firm of Upham & Black- 
well, while grouped about these were a number of lesser 
luminaries, whose milder rays would sufficiently illumine 
the minor points in the case. But at a glance it was 
clearly evident that the galaxy of legal lights opposing 
them contained only stars of the first magnitude. Most 
prominent among the latter were Barton & Barton, of 
London, with Mr. Sutherland and his life-long friend and 
coadjutor, M. D. Montague, with whom he had never 
failed to take counsel in cases of special importance, all 

332 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


men of superb physique and magnificent brains ; while 
slightly in the rear, as reinforcements, were the Hon. J. 
Ponsonby Roget, Q.C., another Q.C. whose name had 
not yet reached the public ear, and a Boston jurist whose 
brilliant career had made his name famous throughout 
the United States. 

Prominent among the spectators were Mr. Scott and Mr. 
Thornton, apparently on the best of terms, and watching 
proceedings with demonstrations of the liveliest interest, 
while seated at a little distance, less demonstrative, but no 
less interested, was young Mainwaring, accompanied by 
Miss Thornton and Miss Carleton. 

The first day was devoted to preliminaries, the greater 
part of the time being consumed in the selection of a jury. 
One after another of those impanelled was examined, chal- 
lenged by one side or the other, and dismissed ; not until 
the entire panel had been exhausted and several special 
venires issued, was there found the requisite number suffi- 
ciently unprejudiced to meet the requirements of the situa- 
tion. 

The remainder of the day was occupied by counsel for 
contestant in making the opening statement. A review of 
the grounds upon which the contest was based was first 
read by one of the assistant attorneys, after which Mr. 
Whitney followed with a lengthy statement which occupied 
nearly an hour. He reviewed in detail the circumstances 
of the case, beginning with the death of Hugh Mainwaring, 
and laying special stress upon his irreproachable reputation. 
He stated that it would be shown to the jury that the life 
of Hugh Mainwaring had been above suspicion, an irref- 
utable argument against the charges of fraud and dis- 
honesty which had been brought against him by those who 
sought to establish the will in contest. It would also be 
shown that the said document was a forgery, the result of a 

333 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


prearranged plan, devised by those who had been lifelong 
enemies of Hugh Main waring and the contestant, to 
defraud the latter of his rights, and to obtain possession of 
the Mainwaring estate ; and that the transparency of the 
device in bringing the so-called will to light at that 
particular time and under those particular circumstances 
was only too plainly evident. 

Mr. Whitney was warming with his subject, but at this 
juncture he was peremptorily called to order by Mr. 
Sutherland, who stated that he objected to counsel making 
an argument to the jury, when he should confine himself 
simply to an opening statement. Mr. Whitney’s face 
flushed as a ripple of amusement ran through the court- 
room, but the objection was sustained, and, after a brief 
summary of what the contestant proposed to show, he 
resumed his seat, and the court then adjourned until the 
following morning. 

The first testimony introduced on the following day was 
to establish the unimpeachable honesty and integrity of the 
deceased Hugh Mainwaring. Both Mr. Elliot and Mr. 
Chittenden were called to the stand, and their examination 
— particularly the cross-examination, in which a number of 
damaging admissions were made — occupied nearly the 
entire forenoon ; the remainder of the day being devoted 
to the testimony of witnesses from abroad, introduced to 
show that for years a bitter estrangement had existed 
between Frederick Mainwaring Scott, the alleged foster- 
father of the proponent, and the members of the Main- 
waring family, — the deceased Hugh Mainwaring and the 
contestant in particular ; and also to show the implacable 
anger of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring against his elder son 
and the extreme improbability of his ever relenting in his 
favor. 

Day after day dragged slowly on, still taken up with the 
334 , 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


examination of witnessses for contestant ; examinations too 
tedious and monotonous for repetition, but full of interest 
to the crowds which came and went, increasing daily, till, 
on the days devoted to the expert testimony, galleries and 
aisles were packed to overflowing, while throngs of 
eager listeners gathered in the corridors about the various 
exits. 

It soon became evident that Ralph Mainwaring’s oft re- 
peated assertions concerning the elaborate preparation he 
had made for the coming contest were no idle boast. 
Nothing that human ingenuity could devise had been left 
undone which could help to turn the scale in his own favor. 
The original will of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, by which 
his elder son was disinherited, was produced and read in 
court. Both wills were photographed, and numerous 
copies, minute in every detail, made, in order to show by 
comparison the differences in their respective signatures. 
Under powerful microscopes it was discovered that several 
pauses had been made in the signature of the later will. 
Electric batteries were introduced to show that the docu- 
ment had been steeped in coffee and tobacco juice to give 
it the appearance of great age. Interesting chemical 
experiments were performed, by which a piece of new 
paper was made to look stained and spotted as if mildewed 
and musty, while by the use of tiny files and needles, the 
edges, having first been slightly scalloped, were grated and 
the paper punctured, till it presented a very similar aspect 
to the will itself, as though worn through at the creases and 
frayed and tattered with age. 

But the accumulation of this overwhelming mass of ex- 
pert testimony failed to make the impression upon counsel 
for proponent which had been anticipated by the other 
side. Mr. Sutherland varied the monotony of the direct 
examinations by frequent and pertinent objections, while 

335 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Barton & Barton took occasional notes, which were after- 
wards passed to Sutherland and Montague, and by them 
used with telling effect in the cross-examinations, but the 
faces of one and all wore an expression inscrutable as that 
of the sphinx. 

Only once was their equanimity disturbed by any ripple 
of agitation, and then the incident was so little understood 
as to be soon forgotten. As the third day of the trial was 
drawing to a close, a despatch in cipher was handed Mr. 
Sutherland, which when translated seemed to produce a 
startling effect upon its readers. Barton & Barton ex- 
changed glances and frowned heavily ; Mr. Sutherland’s 
face for one brief moment showed genuine alarm, and 
Harold Mainwaring, upon reading the slip of paper passed 
to him, grew pale. A hurried consultation . followed and 
Mr. Montague left the court-room. 

On the following morning the papers announced that at 
II p.M. the preceding night, the Victoria, the private car 
of the president of one of the principal railway lines, with 
special engine attached, had left for the West, evidently on 
business of great importance, as everything on the road had 
been ordered side-tracked. It was stated that no particulars 
could be ascertained, however, regarding either her pas- 
sengers or her destination, the utmost secrecy being main- 
tained by those on board, including even the trainmen. 
This item, though attracting some attention, caused less 
comment than did the fact that for the three days next en- 
suing, neither the senior Mr. Barton nor Mr. Montague was 
present in court ; but no one suspected any connection be- 
tween the two events, or dreamed that the above gentle- 
men, with two of New York’s most skilled surgeons, were 
the occupants of the president’s private car, then hastening 
westward at almost lightning speed. 

On the afternoon of the sixth day of the trial, as it be- 
336 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


came apparent that the seemingly interminable evidence 
submitted by contestant was nearly at an end, the eager 
impatience of the waiting crowd could scarcely be restrained 
within the limits of order. A change was noticeable also 
in the demeanor of proponent and his counsel. For the 
two days preceding they had appeared as though under 
some tension or suspense ; now they seemed to exhibit 
almost an indifference to the proceedings, as though the 
outcome of the contest were already a settled fact, while a 
marked gravity accompanied each word and gesture. 

At last the contestant rested, and all eyes were fixed upon 
Mr. Sutherland, as, after a brief pause, he rose to make, as 
was supposed, his opening statement. Instead of address- 
ing the jury, however, he turned towards Judge Bingham. 

‘‘Your honor,” he began, in slow, measured tones, “it 
now lacks but little more than an hour of the usual time for 
adjournment, and after the constant strain which has been 
put upon our nerves for the past six days, I feel that none 
of us, including yourself, your honor, are in a sufficiently 
receptive mood to listen to the testimony which the pro- 
ponent has to offer. In addition to this is the fact that 
our most important witness is not present this afternoon. I 
would therefore ask for an adjournment to be taken until 
ten o’clock next Monday morning, at which time I will 
guarantee your honor and the gentlemen of the jury that 
the intricate and elaborate web of fine-spun theories which 
has been presented will be swept away in fewer hours than 
the days which have been required for its construction.” 

There was an attempt at applause, which was speedily 
checked, and without further delay the court adjourned. 

As judge, jury, and counsel took their respective places 
on the following Monday at the hour appointed, the scene 
presented by the old court-room was one never before wit- 
nessed in its history. Every available inch of standing 
” 337 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

room, both on the main floor and in the galleries, was 
taken ; throngs were congregated about the doorways, those 
in the rear standing on chairs and benches that they might 
obtain a view over the heads of their more fortunate neigh- 
bors, while even the recesses formed by the enormous win- 
dows were packed with humanity, two rows deep, the outer 
row embracing the inner one in its desperate efforts to main- 
tain its equilibrium. 

The opposing sides presented a marked contrast in their 
appearance that morning. Ralph Mainwaring betrayed 'a 
nervous excitement very unusual in one of his phlegmatic 
temperament ; his face alternately flushed and paled, and 
though much of the old defiant bravado remained, yet he 
awaited the opening of proceedings with visible impatience. 
Nor was Mr. Whitney less excited, his manner revealing 
both agitation and anxiety. On the part of Harold Main- 
waring and his counsel, however, there was no agitation, 
no haste ; every movement was characterized by com- 
posure and deliberation, yet something in their bearing — 
something subtle and indefinable but nevertheless irresistible 
— impressed the sensibilities of the vast audience much as 
the oppressive calm which precedes an electric storm. All 
felt that some great crisis was at hand, and it was amid 
almost breathless silence that Mr. Sutherland arose to make 
his opening statement. 

^‘Gentlemen of the jury,’’ he began, and the slow, 
resonant tones penetrated to the farthest corner and out 
into the corridors where hundreds were eagerly listening, 
‘‘as a defence to the charges sought to be established in 
your hearing, we propose to show, not by fine-spun theories 
based upon electrical and chemical experiments, nor bril- 
liant sophistries deduced from microscopic observations, 
but by the citation of stubborn and incontrovertible facts, 
that this document (holding up the will), copies of which 

338 


MAINWARING vs. MAINWARING 


you now have in your possession, is the last will and testa- 
ment of Ralph Maxwell Mainwaring, executed by him on 
the night preceding his death, and as such entitled to stand ; 
that this will, from the date of its execution to the day of its 
discovery on the seventh of July last, was wilfully and 
fraudulently withheld from publication, and its existence 
kept secret by the deceased Hugh Mainwaring. That the 
proponent, Harold Scott Mainwaring, is the lawful and only 
son of the beneficiary named therein, and as such the sole 
rightful and lawful heir to and owner of the Mainwaring 
estate. More than this, we propose at the same time and 
by the same evidence to forever disprove, confute, and 
silence any and every aspersion and insinuation which has 
been brought against the character of the proponent, 
Harold Scott Mainwaring ; and in doing this, we shall at 
last lift the veil which, for the past five months, has hung 
over the Fair Oaks tragedy.” 

Mr. Sutherland paused to allow the tremendous excite- 
ment produced by his words to subside ; then turning, he 
addressed himself to the judge. 

Your honor, I have to request permission of the court 
to depart in a slight degree from the usual custom. The 
witness for the defence is in an adjoining room, ready to 
give testimony when summoned to do so, but in this instance 
I have to ask that the name be withheld, and that the 
witness himself be identified by the contestant and his 
counsel.” 

The judge bowed in assent, and amid a silence so rigid 
and intense as to be almost painful, at a signal from Mr. 
Sutherland, the doors of an anteroom were swung noise- 
lessly open and approaching footsteps were heard. 


339 


CHAPTER XXVII 


THE SILENT WITNESS 

Approaching footsteps were heard, but they were the 
steps of men moving slowly and unsteadily, as though carry- 
ing some heavy burden. An instant later, six men, bearing 
a casket beneath whose weight they staggered, entered the 
court-room and, making their way through the spell-bound 
crowd, deposited their burden near the witness stand. Im- 
mediately following were two men, one of whom was in • 
stantly recognized as Merrick, the detective ; the other as 
the man who, a few months before, had been known as the 
English barrister’s clerk, now wearing the full uniform of a 
Scotland Yard official. Bringing up the rear was an under- 
taker, who, amid the breathless silence which ensued, pro- 
ceeded to open the casket. This done, Mr. Sutherland 
rose and addressed the judge, his low tones for the first 
time vibrating with suppressed feeling. 

^‘Your honor, I request that William H. Whitney be 
first called upon to identify the witness.” 

Controlling his agitation by a visible effort, Mr. Whitney 
approached the casket, but his eyes no sooner rested on the 
form and features within than his forced composure gave 
way. With a groan he exclaimed, — 

My God, it is Hugh Mainwaring !” and bending over 
the casket, he covered his face with his hands while he 
strove in vain to conceal his emotion. 

His words, ringing through the hushed court-room, 
seemed to break the spell, and the over-wrought nerves of 
the people began to yield under the tremendous pressure. 

340 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


Mr. Sutherland raised a warning hand to check the tide of 
nervous excitement which threatened to sweep over the 
entire crowd, but it was of little avail. Piercing screams 
followed ; women fainted and were borne from the room, 
and the faces of strong men blanched to a deathly pallor as 
they gazed at one another in mute consternation and be- 
wilderment. For a few moments the greatest confusion 
reigned, but when at last order was restored and Mr. Whit- 
ney had regained his composure, Mr. Sutherland inquired, — ■ 
** Mr. Whitney, do you identify the dead man as Hugh 
Mainwaring ?” 

‘a do.” 

But did you not identify as Hugh Mainwaring the man 
who, at Fair Oaks, on or about the eighth of July last, came 
to his death from the effect of a gunshot wound ?’ ’ 

** I supposed then, and up until the present time, that it 
was he ; there certainly was a most wonderful resemblance 
which I am unable to explain or account for, but this, 
beyond all question, is Hugh Mainwaring.” 

*^Will you state what proof of identification you can 
give in this instance that was not present in the other ?’ ’ 

** Hugh Mainwaring had over the right temple a slight 
birthmark, a red line extending upward into the hair, not 
always equally distinct, but always visible to one who had 
once observed it, and in this instance quite noticeable. I 
saw no trace of this mark on the face of the murdered man 5 
but as the face was somewhat blackened by powder about 
the right temple, I attributed its absence to that fact, and in 
the excitement which followed I thought little of it. On the 
day of the funeral I also noted certain lines in the face 
which seemed unfamiliar, but realizing that death often 
makes the features of those whom we know best to seem 
strange to us, I thought no further of the matter. Now, 
however, looking upon this face, I am able to recall several 
■ 341 , 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


differences, unnoticed then, but all of which go to prove 
that this is Hugh Mainwaring. ’ ’ 

Ralph Mainwaring was the next one summoned for identi- 
fication. During Mr. Whitney’ s examination his manner had 
betrayed intense agitation, and he now came forward with 
an expression of mingled incredulity and dread, but upon 
reaching the casket, he stood like one petrified, unable to 
move or speak, while no one who saw him could ever forget 
the look of horror which overspread his features. 

Mr. Mainwaring,” said Mr. Sutherland at length, do 
you know the dead man ?’ ’ 

^‘It is he,” answered Ralph Mainwaring in a low tone, 
apparently speaking more to himself than to the attorney ; 
“ it is Hugh Mainwaring ; that was the distinguishing mark 
between them.” 

** Do you refer to the mark of which Mr. Whitney has 
just spoken ?’ ’ 

‘‘Yes.” 

“What do you mean by designating it as ‘the distin- 
guishing mark between them’ ? ’ ’ 

Ralph Mainwaring turned from the casket and faced Mr. 
Sutherland, but his eyes had the strained, far-away look 
of one gazing into the distance, unconscious of objects 
near him. 

“It was the mark,” he said, speaking with an effort, 
“ by which, when we were boys, he was distinguished from 
his twin brother. ’ ’ 

“ His twin brother, Harold Scott Mainwaring?” queried 
the attorney. 

“Yes,” the other answered, mechanically. 

“ Do you then identify this as Hugh Mainwaring?” 

“Yes; and the other — he must have been — no, no, it 
could not be — great God !” Ralph Mainwaring suddenly 
reeled and raised his hand to his head. Mr. Whitney 
-...342 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


sprang to his assistance and led him to his chair, but in 
those few moments he had aged twenty years. 

A number of those most intimately acquainted with Hugh 
Mainwaring were then called upon, all of whom identified 
the dead man as their late friend and associate. These 
preliminaries over, Mr. Sutherland arose. 

“Your honor and gentlemen of the jury, before pro- 
ceeding with the testimony to be introduced, I have a brief 
statement to make. Soon after the commencement of this 
action, we came into possession of indisputable evidence 
that Hugh Mainwaring, the supposed victim of the Fair 
Oaks tragedy, was still living, and that of whatever crime, 
if crime there were associated with that fearful event, he 
was not the victim but the perpetrator. We determined at 
all hazards to secure him, first as a witness in this case, our 
subsequent action to be decided by later developments. 
Through our special detective we succeeded in locating him, 
but he, upon finding himself cornered, supposing he was 
to be arrested for the murder of his brother, attempted 
suicide by shooting. The combined skill of the best sur- 
geons obtainable, though unable to save him, yet prolonged 
life for three days, long enough to enable two of our num- 
ber, Mr. Barton and Mr. Montague, to reach him in season 
to take his dying statement ; a statement not only setting 
forth the facts relating to the will in question, but embracing 
also the details of the Fair Oaks tragedy and mystery. 
This statement, made by Hugh Mainwaring and attested 
by numerous witnesses present, will now be read by Mr. 
Montague. ’ ’ 

Amid an impressive silence, Mr. Montague stepped to 
the side of the casket and, unfolding a document which he 
held, read the following : 

‘ ' I, Hugh Mainwaripg, freely and voluntarily and under 
no duress or compulsion, make this, my dying statement, 

343 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


not only as a relief to the mental anguish I have endured 
for the past few months, but also in the hope that I may 
thereby, in my last hours, help in some degree to right the 
wrong which my life of treachery and cowardice has wrought. 
To do this, I must go back over twenty-five years of crime, 
and beyond that to the inordinate greed and ambition that 
led to crime. 

brother, Harold Scott Mainwaring, and I were 
twins, so marvellously alike in form and feature that our 
parents often had difficulty to distinguish between us, but 
utterly unlike in disposition, except that we both possessed 
a fiery temper and an indomitable will. He was the soul 
of honor, generous to a fault, loyal-hearted and brave, and 
he exacted honor and loyalty from others. He had no 
petty ambitions ; he cared little for wealth for its own sake, 
still less for its votaries. I was ambitious ; I loved wealth 
for the power which it bestowed ; I would sacrifice any- 
thing for the attainment of that power, and even my 
boyish years were tainted with secret envy of my brother, 
an envy that grew with my growth, till, as we reached 
years of maturity, the consciousness that he, my senior by 
only a few hours, was yet to take precedence over me — to 
possess all that I coveted — became a thorn in my side whose 
rankling presence I never for a single waking hour forgot ; 
it embittered my enjoyment of the present, my hopes and 
plans for the future. 

‘‘ But of this deadly undercurrent flowing far beneath 
the surface neither he nor others dreamed, till, one day, a 
woman’s face— cold, cruel, false, but beautiful, bewitch- 
ingly, entrancingly beautiful, — came between us, and from 
that hour all semblance of friendship was at an end. With 
me it was an infatuation ; with him it was love, a love ready 
to make any sacrifice for its idol. Sq when our father threat- 
ened to disinherit and disown either or both of us, and the 
- 344 , 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


false, fickle heart of a woman was laid in the balances against 
the ancestral estates, I saw my opportunity for seizing the 
long coveted prize. We each made his choice ; my brother 
sold his birthright for a mess of pottage ; his rights were 
transferred to me, and my ambition was at last gratified. 

^‘Between three and four years later, on the night of 
November seventeenth, 1 8 — , within a few hours preceding 
his death, my father made a will, revoking the will by which 
he had disinherited his elder son, and restoring him again 
to his full right and title to the estate. - This was not un- 
expected to me. Though no words on the subject had 
passed between us and my brother’s name was never men- 
tioned, I had realized for more than a year that my father 
was gradually relenting towards the son who had ever been 
his favorite, and on the last day that he was able to leave 
his room, I had come upon him unaware in the old picture 
gallery, standing before the portrait of his elder son, silent 
and stem, but with the tears coursing down his pallid 
cheeks. When, therefore, on the night preceding his 
death, my father demanded that an attorney be summoned, 
my feelings can be imagined. Just as the prize which I 
had so long regarded as mine was almost within my grasp, 
should I permit it to elude me for the gratification of 
a dying man’s whim? Never! In my rage I could have 
throttled him then and there without a qualm ; fear of the 
law alone held me back. I tried to dissuade him, but it 
was useless. I then bribed the servant sent to bring the 
attorney to report that he was out of town, and when that 
proved of no avail, I sent for Richard Hobson, a penniless 
shyster, whose lack of means and lack of principle I be- 
lieved would render him an easy tool in my hands. He 
came ; I was waiting to receive him, and we entered into a 
compact, I little dreaming I was setting loose on my track 
a veritable hell-hound ! The will was drawn and executed, 

345 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


Hobson and one Alexander McPherson, an old friend of 
my father’s, signing as witnesses. Within twenty-four hours 
of its execution, Richard Hobson was richer by several 
hundred pounds, and the will was in my possession. Two 
days later, I had a false telegram sent to our place, sum- 
moning McPherson to his home in Scotland. He left at 
once, before my father’s burial, and his death, which oc- 
curred a few weeks later, removed the last obstacle in the 
way of carrying my plans into execution. My brother at 
that time was in Australia, but in what part of the country 
I did not know, nor did I try to ascertain. My constant 
fear was that he might in some way — though by what means 
I could not imagine — get some knowledge of the will and 
return to set up a claim to the estate. As soon as possible, 
therefore, notwithstanding the protests of my attorneys, I 
sold the estate and came to America. 

Concerning the years that followed, it is needless to go 
into detail ; they brought me wealth, influence, power, all 
that I had craved, but little of happiness. Even when 
there came tidings of my brother’s death at sea, and I felt 
that at last my title to the estate was secure, I had little en- 
joyment in its possession. Richard Hobson had already 
begun his black-mailing schemes, his demands growing 
more frequent and exorbitant with each succeeding year. 
Through him, also, the woman who had wrecked my 
brother’s life received some inkling of my secret, and 
through this knowledge, slight as it was, gained enough of 
a hold over me that life was becoming an intolerable bur- 
den. Through all these years, however, I kept the will in 
my possession. Even after hearing of the death of my 
brother, a cowardly, half-superstitious dread kept me from 
destroying it, though doubtless I would have done so soon 
after making my own will had I not been prevented by cir- 
cumstances unforeseen, which I will now state. 

346 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


‘‘The events which I am about to relate are stamped 
upon my brain as though by fire ; they have haunted me 
day and night for the past five months. On the seventh 
of July last, I made and executed my will in favor of my 
namesake, Hugh Mainwaring, and on the following day — 
his birthday and mine — he was to be declared my heir. It 
was past eleven o’clock on the night of that day when I 
retired to my private library, and it was fully an hour later 
when, having dismissed my secretary, I finally found my- 
self alone, as I supposed, for the night. My thoughts were 
far from pleasant. I had just had a stormy interview with 
my housekeeper, Mrs. LaGrange, who had tried, as on 
previous occasions, to coerce me by threats into a private 
marriage and a public recognition of her as my wife and 
of her child and mine ; and, in addition, the occurrences of 
the day had been of a nature to recall the past, and events 
which I usually sought to bury in oblivion were passing be- 
fore my mental vision despite my efforts to banish them. 
Suddenly a voice which seemed like an echo of the past 
recalled me to the present. Somewhat startled, I turned 
quickly, confronting a man who had entered unperceived 
from the tower-room. He was my own height and size, 
with curling black hair and heavy mustache, but I was un- 
able to distinguish his features as he remained standing 
partly in the shadow. Before I could recover from my sur- 
prise, he again spoke, his voice still vaguely familiar. 

“fThe master of Fair Oaks’ — the words were spoken 
with stinging emphasis — ‘ seems depressed on the eve of 
his festal day, the day on which he is to name the heir and 
successor to his vast estates ! ’ 

“I remembered that a stranger had called that day 
during my absence, who, my secretary had informed me, 
had shown a surprising familiarity with my private plans. 

“ ‘ I think, ’ I replied, coldly, ‘ that you favored me with 
347 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


a call this afternoon, but whatever your business then or 
now, you will have to defer it for a few days. I do not 
know how you gained admittance to these apartments at this 
hour, but I will see that you are escorted from them without 
delay, ’ and as I spoke I rose to ring for a servant. 

‘‘He anticipated my intention, however, and with the 
agility of a panther sprang noiselessly across the room, 
intercepting me, at the same time raising a large, English 
bull-dog revolver, which he levelled at me. 

“ ‘ Not so fast, not so fast,’ he said, softly; ‘you can 
afford to wait a little ; I have waited for years ! ’ 

“ I stood as though rooted to the spot, gazing at him 
with a sort of fascination. As he emerged into the light 
there was something almost familiar in his features, and yet 
something horribly incongruous and unreal. His eyes 
glowed like living fire ; his soft, low tones reminded me of 
nothing so much as the purring of a tiger ; while the smile 
that played about his lips was more terrible than anything 
I had ever seen on human face. It was ten times more 
fearful than the muzzle of the revolver confronting me, 
and seemed to freeze the very blood in my veins. 

“ ‘You take a base advantage ; I am unarmed, ’ I sneered. 

“ ‘ I knew too well with whom I had to deal to come 
unarmed, ’ he replied ; ‘ though this, ’ and he lowered the 
revolver, ‘ this is not the sort of weapon you would em- 
ploy, — a thrust in the dark, a stab in the back, that is your 
style, coward ! ’ 

^ “ ‘ I demand an explanation of this,’ I said. 

“He folded his arms, still retaining his hold upon the 
weapon, as he answered, ‘ Explanations will follow in due 
time ; but surely, on the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of 
such a life as yours, congratulations are first in order. 
Allow me to congratulate you, Hugh Mainwaring, upon 
the success which has attended and crowned the past 

348 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


twenty-five years of your life ! upon the rich harvest you 
have reaped during all these years ; the amassed wealth, 
the gratified ambitions, the almost illimitable power, the 
adulation and homage, — all so precious to your sordid 
soul, and for which you have bartered honor, happiness, 
character, all, in short, that life is worth. Standing, as 
you do to-night, at the fiftieth milestone on life’s journey, 
I congratulate you upon your recollections of the past, and 
upon your anticipations for the future, as you descend to 
an unhonored and unloved old age ! ’ 

‘ ‘ Every word was heaped with scorn, and, as I looked 
into the burning eyes fixed upon mine and watched the 
sardonic smile hovering about his lips, I wondered whether 
he were some Mephistopheles — some fiend incarnate — sent 
to torture me, or whether he were really flesh and 
blood. 

‘ ‘ The mocking smile now left his face, but his eyes held 
me speechless as he continued, — 

‘No wonder that memories of bygone years haunted 
your thoughts to-night ! Memories, perhaps, of a father 
whose dying will you disregarded ; of a brother whom you 
twice defrauded, — once of the honor and sanctity of his 
home, then, as if that were not enough, of his birthright, 

— ^his heritage from generations of our race ’ 

‘ ‘ ‘ Stop ! ’ I cried, stung to anger by his accusations and 
startled by the strange words, ‘ our race, ’ which seemed to 
fall so familiarly from his lips. ‘ Stop ! are you mad ? Do 
you know what you are saying ? Once more I demand that 
you state who or what you are, and your business here ! ’ 
“‘That is quickly stated, Hugh Mainwaring,’ he an- 
swered, in tones which made my heart, beat with a strange 
dread ; ‘ I am Harold Scott Mainwaring ! I am here to 
claim no brotherhood or kinship with you, but to claim 
and to have my own, the birthright restored to me by the 

349 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


last will and testament of a dying father, of which you 
have defrauded me for twenty-five years !’ 

‘You are a liar and an impostor!’ I cried, enraged 
at the sound of my brother’s name, and for the instant be- 
lieving the man to be some emissary of Hobson’s who had 
used it to work upon my feelings. 

“ Drawing himself up to his full height, his eyes blazing, 
he answered in low tones, ‘ Dare you apply those epithets 
to me, usurper that you are? You are a liar and a thief, 
and if you had your deserts you would be in a felon’s cell 
to-night, or transported to the wilds of Australia ! I an 
impostor ? See and judge for yourself ! ’ and with a sudden, 
swift movement the black curling hair and mustache were 
dashed to the floor, and he stood before me the exact 
counterpart of myself. Stunned by the transformation, I 
gazed at him speechless ; it was like looking in a mirror, 
feature for feature identically the same ! For a few seconds 
my brain seemed to reel from the shock, but his tones re- 
called me to myself. 

“‘Ah!’ he said, with mocking emphasis, ‘who is the 
impostor now ?’ 

“ My first thought was of self-vindication, and to effect, 
if possible, a compromise with him. ‘ I am no impostor or 
usurper, ’ I said, ‘ because, believing you dead, I have used 
that to which in the event of your death I would be legally 
entitled even had you any claim, and I am willing, not as 
an acknowledgment of any valid claim on your part, but as 
a concession on my own part, to give you a liberal share in 
the estate, or to pay you any reasonable sum which you may 
require ’ 

“ He stopped me with an intolerant gesture. ‘ Do not 
attempt any palliation of the past with me,’ he said, 
sternly ; ‘ it is worse than useless ; and do not think that 
you can make any compromises with me or purchase my 

350 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


silence with your ill-gotten wealth. That may have served 
your purpose in the past with your associate and coadjutor, 
Richard Hobson, the man who holds in his mercenary 
grasp the flimsy reputation which is all that is left to you, 
or with the woman — cruel as the grave and false as hell — 
who once wrecked my life, and now, with the son that you 
dare not acknowledge, rules your home, but you cannot 
buy my silence. I come to you as no beggar ! I am a 
richer man to-day than you, but for the sake of genera- 
tions past, as well as of generations yet to come, I will have 
my own. The estate which was once my forefathers shall 
be my son’s, and his sons’ after him !’ 

As I listened, my whole soul rose against him in bitter 
hatred, the old hatred of my youth. ‘ I defy you, ’ I cried, 
hotly, * to produce one atom of proof in support of your 
claim or of your charges against me ! The estate is mine, 
and I will make you rue the day that you dare dispute my 
right and title to it ! ’ 

‘^His eyes flashed with scorn as he replied, ‘You lie, 
Hugh Main waring ! Your life for the past twenty-five years 
has been nothing but a lie, and the day just closed has wit- 
nessed the final act in this farce of yours. That I have 
already undone, and just as surely I will undo the work of 
the past years. And let me assure you I have no lack of 
proof with which to verify either my own claim or any 
assertion I have made, or may yet make, against you. I 
have proof that on the night preceding my father’s death 
he made a will restoring to me my full rights, which you 
have fraudulently withheld all these years ; and through my 
son, whom you have known for the past eighteen months as 
your private secretary, I have proof that that will is still tn 
existence, of itself an irrefutable witness against you !’ 

“With the mention of my secretary the truth flashed 
upon me. I realized I was completely in his power, and 

351 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


with a sense of my own impotency my rage and hatred in- 
creased. Forgetful of the weapon in his hand and almost 
blind with fury, I sprang towards him, intending to throttle 
him — to strangle him — until he should plead for mercy. 
Instantly he raised the revolver in warning, but not before 
I had seized his wrist, turning the weapon from myself. 
A brief struggle followed, in which I soon found my strength 
was no match for his. Growing desperate, I summoned all 
my strength for one tremendous effort, at the same time 
holding his wrist in a vice-like grip, forcing his hand higher 
and turning the revolver more and more in his direction. 
Suddenly there was a flash, — a sharp report, — and he fell 
heavily to the floor, dragging me down upon him. 
j For an instant I was too much stunned and bewildered 
to realize what had happened, but a glance at my opponent 
revealed the situation. He lay motionless where he had 
fallen, and a ghastly wound over the right eye told the ter- 
rible story. Dazed with horror, I placed my hand over 
his heart, but there was no motion, no life, — ^he was dead ! 
The awful truth forced itself upon me. Mad and blind 
with rage, I had turned the weapon upon him and it had 
discharged, — whether by some sudden movement of his 
hand, or by the accidental pressure of my own fingers upon 
the trigger, God alone knows, I do not ! One fact I could 
not then, nor ever can, forget ; it was my hand that gave 
the weapon its deadly aim, however blindly or unwittingly, 
and the blood of my brother whom I had wronged and de- 
frauded now lay at my door. 

^ ^ The agony of remorse that followed was something 
beyond description, beyond any suffering of which I had 
ever dreamed ; but suddenly a thought flashed upon me 
which added new horror, causing me to spring to my feet 
cold with terror, while great beads of perspiration gathered 
on my brow. When that terrible scene should be revealed, 

352 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


not alone in the approaching morning light, but in the 
light of past events which, if the last words spoken by 
those lips now sealed in death were true, could no longer 
be kept secret, what would be the world’s verdict ? Murder ! 
fratricide ! and I ? Great God ! of what avail would be any 
plea of mine in the face of such damning evidence ? 

rushed to the tower-room, and hastily opening my 
safe, took from a private drawer therein a key and with 
trembling fingers fitted it into the lock of a large metallic 
box which contained the family jewels, and which for more 
than twenty-five years had held the old will executed by 
my father on his death-bed. I had seen it there less than 
forty-eight hours before, and in my desperation I now 
determined to destroy it. My very haste and eagerness 
delayed me, but at last the cover flew back, revealing the 
gleaming jewels, but — the will was not there ! Unable to 
believe my own eyes, I drew my fingers carefully back and 
forth through the narrow receptacle where it had lain, and 
among the satin linings of the various compartments, but in 
vain ; the will was gone ! My brother had spoken the truth, 
and the will was doubtless in the possession of his son, who, 
under its terms, was now himself heir to the estate. The 
room grew dim and the walls themselves seemed to whirl 
swiftly about me as, with great difficulty, I groped my way 
back to the library, where I stood gazing at that strange 
counterpart of myself, till, under the growing horror of the 
situation, it seemed to my benumbered senses as though I 
were some disembodied spirit hovering above his own 
corpse. The horrible illusion was like a nightmare ; I could 
not throw it off, and I would then and there have gone 
stark, staring mad, but that there came to me out of that 
awful chaos of fancies a suggestion which seemed like an 
inspiration. ‘It is Hugh Mainwaring,’ I said to myself, 

‘ Hugh Mainwaring died to-night ! ’ 

*3 353 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 

fevered brain grew cool, my pulse steady, and my 
nerves firm as I proceeded at once to act upon the idea. 
Kneeling beside the dead man, I examined the wound. 
The bullet had entered above the right eye and passed 
downward, coming out at the base of the brain ; from both 
wounds the blood was flowing in a slow, sluggish stream. 
Drawing a large handkerchief from my pocket, I bound it 
tightly about the head over both wounds, knotting it firmly ; 
then carrying the body into the tower-room, 1 made sure 
that all doors were locked, and proceeded to put into exe- 
cution the plan so suddenly formed. By this time I was 
myself, and, though the task before me was neither easy nor 
pleasant to perform, I went about it as calmly and methodi- 
cally as though it were some ordinary business transaction. 
As expeditiously as possible I removed the dead man’s 
clothing and my own, which I then exchanged, dressing 
the lifeless form in the clothes I had worn on the preceding 
day, even to the dressing-gown which I had put on upon 
retiring to my apartments, while I donned his somewhat 
travel-worn suit of tweed. Having completed this grue- 
some task, I left the body in much the same position in 
which it had originally fallen, lying slightly upon the right 
side, the right arm extended on the floor, and, to give the 
appearance of suicide, I placed my own revolver — first 
emptying one of the chambers — near his right hand. On 
going to my desk for the revolver, I discovered the explana- 
tion of my brother’s words when he said that he had 
already undone my Work of the preceding day, the final 
act of the farce I had carried out. In the terrible excite- 
ment of thos^ moments his meaning escaped my mind ; 
now it was clear. My own will, executed with such care, 
and which early in the evening I had left upon my desk, 
was gone. That he had destroyed it in his wrath and 
scorn I had abundant proof a little later, upon incidentally 
354 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


finding in the small grate in that room the partially burned 
fragments of the document, which I left to tell their own 
tale. 

** Having satisfactorily disposed of Hugh Mainwaring 
(as the dead man now seemed to my over- wrought imagi- 
nation), I made preparation for my immediate departure. 
This occupied little time. There was fortunately some 
cash in the safe, which I took ; all drafts and papers of 
that nature I left, — they were of value only to Hugh Main- 
waring, and he was dead ! As the cash would be inade- 
quate, however, for my needs, I decided after considerable 
deliberation to take the family jewels, though not without 
apprehension that they might lead to my detection, as they 
finally did. These I put in a small box covered with ordi- 
nary wrapping-paper to attract as little attention as possible, 
and, having completed my preparations, I removed the 
bandage from the dead man’s head and threw it with the 
private keys to my library into the metallic box which had 
held the jewels. Then donning the black wig and mus- 
tache which my visitor had thrown aside on disclosing his 
identity, together with a long ulster which he had left in 
the tower-room, I took one farewell look at the familiar 
apartments and their silent occupant and stole noiselessly 
out into the night. I remained on the premises only long 
enough to visit the small lake in the rear of the house, into 
which I threw the metallic box and its contents, then, fol- 
lowing the walk through the grove to the side street, I left 
Fair Oaks, as I well knew, forever. While yet on the 
grounds I met my own coachman, but he failed to recog- 
nize me in my disguise. My plans were already formed. 
I had come to the conclusion that my late visitor and the 
caller of the preceding afternoon, whose card bore the 
name of J. Henry Carruthers, were one and the same. My 
secretary had stated that Carruthers had come out from the 

355 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


city that day, so my appearance at the depot, dressed in his 
own disguise, would probably attract no attention. I was 
fortunate enough to reach the depot just as two trains were 
about to pull out ; the suburban train which would leave in 
three minutes for the city, and the north-bound express, 
due to leave five minutes later. I bought a ticket for New 
York, then passing around the rear of the suburban train, 
quietly boarded the express, and before the discovery of 
that night’s fearful tragedy I was speeding towards the great 
West. 

‘‘But go where I might, from that hour to this, I have 
never been free from agonizing remorse, nor have I been 
able for one moment to banish from my memory the sight 
of that face, — the face of my brother, killed by my own 
hand, and a discovery which I made within the first few 
hours of my flight made my remorse ten times deeper. In 
going through the pockets of the suit I wore I found a letter 
from my brother, addressed to his son, written in my own 
library and at my own desk while he awaited my coming. 
He seemed to have had a sort of presentiment that his inter- 
view with me might end in some such tragedy as it did, and 
took that opportunity to inform his son regarding both his 
past work and his plans for the future. What was my 
astonishment to find that his son was, at that time, as 
totally unaware of his father’s existence as was I a few 
hours before of the existence of a brother ! 

“From this letter I learned that the son had been given 
away at birth, and was to know nothing of his true parentage 
until he had reached years of maturity ; that he himself 
had been shipwrecked, as reported years ago, but had es- 
caped in some miraculous manner ; that reaching Africa at 
last, he disclosed his identity to no one, but devoted all his 
energies to acquiring a fortune for his son. He succeeded 
even beyond his anticipations, and when nearly twenty 

356 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


years had elapsed, sailed for his old Australian home, to 
find his son. Arriving there, he learned that his son, while 
pursuing his studies in England, had obtained information 
of the will made in his father’s favor, and learning facts 
which led him to believe that the will was still in existence 
and in the possession of his father’s younger brother, had, 
with the advice of his London attorneys, gone to America, 
and was then in his uncle’s employ for the purpose of 
securing proof regarding the will, and, if possible, posses- 
sion of the will itself. Upon learning these facts, my 
brother had immediately proceeded to London and to 
Barton & Barton, his son’s attorneys, who, upon his arrival 
there, informed him of his son’s success up to that time, 
and also notified him that his brother was about to cele- 
brate his approaching fiftieth birthday by naming the son 
of Ralph Mainwaring as his heir, Ralph Mainwaring and 
family having just sailed to America for that purpose. My 
brother then took the first steamer for America, arriving 
only two days later than Ralph Mainwaring. Though 
unable to obtain an interview with me at once, as he had 
intended, he had succeeded in catching sight of me, in order 
to assure himself that the marked resemblance between us 
still existed, and, to emphasize that resemblance, he then 
shaved and had his hair cut in the same style in which I 
wore mine, so as to render the likeness the more striking 
and indisputable when he should announce himself to me. 

**His existence and return he wished kept secret from 
his son until the successful consummation of his plans, but 
he wrote the letter as an explanation in case there should 
be any unforeseen termination. The letter was overflowing 
with a father’s love and pride ; his allusion to the difficulty 
with which he had restrained his feelings when he found 
himself face to face with his son on the afternoon of his 
call, being especially touching. The perusal of that letter 

357 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


added a hundred-fold to my own grief and remorse. I 
dared not run the risk of disclosing myself by sending it to 
my brother’s son, but I have preserved it carefully for him, 
and desire it to be given him as quickly as possible. 

Through New York papers I learned from time to time 
of the murder of Hugh Mainwaring, the lost will, the dis- 
covery of the old will, and the appearance of the rightful 
heir. From that source, also, I learned that Merrick, the 
detective, was shadowing the murderer, who was generally 
supposed to be a man by the name of Carruthers. I had 
one advantage of Merrick. I knew him — my old friend 
Whitney having often pointed him out to me — ^while he did 
not know the man he sought. Many a time in my wander- 
ings I have seen him, and, knowing well the game he was 
after, eluded him, only to fall at last into the snare of one 
whom I did not know. The man searching for the mur- 
derer of Hugh Mainwaring encountered another, trailing 
the murderer of Harold Scott Mainwaring, and I suddenly 
found my time had come ! A coward then, as always, I 
tried to shoot myself. In the darkness I held the muzzle 
of my brother’s revolver to my own temple ; instantly there 
flashed before me his face when I had killed him ! I grew 
sick, my hand trembled and dropped ; then, as my pur- 
suers came nearer, I aimed for my heart and fired ! This 
is the result. Death was not instantaneous, as I had hoped ; 
instead, I was given this opportunity to make some slight 
reparation for my sin ; to aid, as I said before, in righting 
the wrong wrought by my past life. 

‘‘And now, in these my last moments, I do solemnly 
affirm and aver that on the night preceding his death, my 
father executed a will restoring to my elder brother his full 
right and title, which will I have for more than twenty-five 
years last past wrongfully and fraudulently withheld and 
concealed ; and that my brother being now dead, killed by 

358 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


my own hand, though unwittingly and unintentionally, his 
son, Harold Scott Mainwaring, is the rightful and sole heir 
to the entire Mainwaring estate. 

Signed by Hugh Mainwaring in the presence of the 
following witnesses : William J. Barton, M. D. Montague, 
Joseph P. Sturgiss, M.D., M. J. Wheating, M.D., Daniel 
McCabe and C. D. Merrick.” 

At the conclusion of this statement, there was shown in 
evidence the rusty metallic box — dragged from the lake — 
with the keys and the knotted, blood-stained handkerchief 
found therein. This was followed by brief testimony by 
Harold Scott Mainwaring and the old servant, James Wil- 
son, but the proceedings following the reading of the state- 
ment were little more than mere form. There was little 
attempt at cross-examination, and when the time came for the 
argument by counsel for contestant, Mr. Whitney, who had 
been deeply affected by the confession of his old friend, 
declined to speak. 

All eyes were fastened upon Mr. Sutherland as he arose, 
as was supposed, for the closing argument. For a moment 
his eyes scanned the faces of the jurors, man by man, then 
addressing the judge, he said slowly, in clear, resonant 
tones, — 

Your honor, I submit the case without argument.” 

In less than forty-five minutes from the conclusion of the 
statement the jury retired, but no one moved from his place 
in the crowded court-room, for all felt that little time would 
be required for their decision. In ten minutes they re- 
turned, and, amid the silence that followed, the foreman 
announced the verdict, ‘‘ for the proponent, Harold Scott 
Mainwaring. ’ ’ 

Cheers burst forth from all parts of the room, and the 
walls rang with applause, which was only checked by a sud- 
den, simultaneous movement of several men towards the 

359 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


contestant. With the announcement of the verdict, Ralph 
Mainwaring had risen to his feet, as though in protest. For 
an instant he stood gasping helplessly, but unable to utter a 
word ; then, with a loud groan, he sank backward and 
would have fallen to the floor but for his attorneys, who had 
rushed to the assistance of the stricken man. 

A few moments later the lifeless remains of Hugh Main- 
waring were carried from the court-room, while, in another 
direction, the unconscious form of Ralph Mainwaring was 
borne by tender, pitying hands, among them those of the 
victor himself, and the contest of Mainwaring versus Main- 
waring was ended. 

The bright sunlight of a December afternoon, ten days 
after the close of the trial, crowned with a shining halo 
the heads of Harold Scott Mainwaring and his wife as they 
stood together in the tower-room at Fair Oaks. But a few 
hours had elapsed since they had repeated the words of the 
beautiful marriage service which had made them husband 
and wife. Their wedding had been, of necessity, a quiet 
one, only their own party and a few of their American 
friends being present, for the ocean-liner, then lying in the 
harbor, but which in a few hours was to bear them home- 
ward, would carry also the bodies of the Mainwaring 
brothers and of Ralph Mainwaring to their last resting 
place. 

Here, amid the very surroundings where it was written, 
Harold Mainwaring had just read to his wife his father’s 
letter, penned a few hours before his death. For a few 
moments neither spoke, then Winifred said brokenly, 
through fast falling tears, — 

‘ ‘ How he loved you, Harold ! ’ ’ 

Yes,” he replied, sadly; ‘‘and what would I not give 
for one hour in which to assure him of my love ! I would 

360 


THE SILENT WITNESS 


gladly have endured any suffering for his sake, but in the 
few moments that we stood face to face we met as stran- 
gers, and I have had no opportunity to show him my 
appreciation of his love or my love for him in return. ’ ’ 
Don’t think he does not know it,” she said, earnestly. 

I believe that he now knows your love for him far more 
perfectly than you know his. ’ ’ 

He kissed her tenderly, then drawing from his pocket a 
memorandum-book, took therefrom a piece of blotter having 
upon it the impress of some writing. Placing it upon the 
desk beside the letter, he held a small mirror against it, 
and Winifred, looking in the mirror, read, 

‘‘Your affectionate father, 

“Harold Scott Mainwaring.” 

Then glancing at the signature to the letter, she saw they 
were identical. In answer to her look of inquiry, Harold 
said, — 

“ I discovered that impress on the blotter on this desk 
one morning about ten days after the tragedy, and at once 
recognized it as my father’s writing. In a flash I under- 
stood the situation j my father himself had returned, had 
been in these rooms, and had had an interview with his 
brother ! I knew of the marked resemblance between 
them, and at once questioned. How had that interview 
ended ? Who was the murdered man ? Who was the mur- 
derer ? That was the cause of my trip to England to try 
to find some light on this subject. I need no words to tell 
you the agony of suspense that I endured for the next few 
weeks, and you will understand now why I would not — even 
to yourself — declare my innocence of the murder of Hugh 
Mainwaring. I would have borne any ignominy and dis- 
honor, even death itself, rather than that a breath of suspi- 
cion should have been directed against my father’s name.” 

361 


THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR 


** My hero !” she exclaimed, smiling through her tears; 
then asked, When and how did you learn the real facts?” 

* * Almost immediately upon my return to this country, 
and from Mrs. LaGrange, ’ ’ and he told her briefly of his 
last interview with that unhappy woman. ‘‘ Up to the day 
of the funeral, she was ignorant of the truth, but on that 
day she detected the difference, which none of the others 
saw. She knew and recognized my father. ’ ’ 

Standing at last on the western veranda, they took their 
farewell of Fair Oaks. 

** Beautiful Fair Oaks ! ” Winifred murmured ; once I 
loved you ; but you could never be our home ; you hold 
memories far too bitter ! ’ ’ 

‘^Yes,” Harold replied, gravely, ‘‘it is darkened by 
crime and stained with innocent blood. The only bright 
feature to redeem it,” he added with a smile, “is the 
memory of the love I found there, but that, ’ ’ and he drew 
her arm closely within his own, ‘ ‘ I take with me to Eng- 
land, to my father’s home and mine.” 

Together they left the majestic arched portals, and going 
down the oak-lined avenue, through the dim twilight of the 
great boughs interlocked above their heads, passed on, out 
into the sunlight, with never a fear for shadows that might 
come ; each strong and confident in the love that united 
them “for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sick- 
ness and in health, . . . till death us do part.” 


FINIS. 


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Under the Red Cross Flag 

At Home and Abroad 

By MABEL T. BOARDMAN, Chairman of the National Relief 

Board, American Red Cross. 

Foreword by PRESmENT WOODROW WILSON. 

Fully illustrated. Decorated cloth. Gilt top. $1.50 net. 

The American Red Cross and the name of Miss Boardman 
have been inseparably connected for many years; her own 
story is one of fascinating human interest to all who feel a 
bond of sympathy with those who suffer. To-day it is 
the European War, but in unforgotten yesterdays there 
was the Philippine Typhoon, the Vesuvian Eruption, the 
Chinese Famine, and almost countless other disasters 
in which the heroes and heroines of the Red Cross have 
worked and met danger in their effort to alleviate the 
sufferings of humanity. This is the only complete his- 
torical work upon the subject that has yet been written; 
no one, accounting experience and literary ability, is 
better fitted to present the facts than is the author. 


Joseph Pennell’s Pictures 
In the Land of Temples 

With 40 plates in photogravure from lithographs. Introduction 
by W. H. D. Rouse, Litt.D. Crown quarto. Lithograph on 
cover. $1.25 net. 

Mr. Pennell’s wonderful drawings present to us the 
immortal witnesses of the ‘‘Glory that was Greece” just 
as they stand to-day, in their environment and the golden 
atmosphere of Hellas. Whether it be the industrial giants 
portrayed in “Pictures of the Panama Canal” or antique 
temples presented in this fascinating volume, the great 
lithographer proves himself to be a master craftsman of 
this metier. The art of Greece is perhaps dead, but we 
are fortunate in having such an interpreter. There is 
every promise that this book will have the same value 
among artists and book lovers as had his others. 

“The isles of Greece, the isles of Greece! 

Where burning Sappho loved and sung,” 
have never had a more appreciative and sympathetic lover. 

Christmas Carol 

By CHARLES DICKENS. 13 illustrations in color and many 
in black and white by Arthur Rackham. Octavo. Decorated 
cloth. $1.50 net. 

All the praise that can be showered upon Joseph Pennell 
as a master lithographer, is also the due mead of Arthur 
Rackham as the most entrancing and mysterious color 
illustrator in Europe. His work is followed by an army 
of picture lovers of all types and of all ages, from the 
children in the nurseries whose imagination he stirs with 
the fiery-eyed dragons of some fairy illustration, to the 
ambitious artists in every country who look to him as an 
inspiring master. 

If the decision had been left to the book-reading and 
picture-loving public as to the most eligible story for 
treatment, we believe that the Christmas Carol would 
have been chosen. The children must see old Scrouge 
and Tiny Tim as Rackham draws them. 


Historic Virginia Homes 
and Churches 

By ROBERT A. LANCASTER, JR. About 300 illustrations and 
a photogravure frontispiece. Quarto. In a box, cloth, gilt top, 
$7.50 net. Half morocco, $12.50 net. A Limited Edition printed 
from type, uniform with the Pennells* “Our Philadelphia.’* 
Virginians are justly proud of the historical and archi- 
tectural glories of the Old Dominion. All America looks 
to Virginia as a Cradle of American thought and culture. 
This volume is a monument to Virginia, persons and places, 
past and present. It has been printed in a limited edition 
and the type has been distributed. This is not a volume 
of padded value; it is not a piece of literary hack-work. 
It has been a labor of love since first undertaken some 
twenty-five years ago. The State has done her part by 
providing the rich material, the Author his with pains- 
taking care and loving diligence, and the Publishers theirs 
by expending all the devices of the bookmaker’s art. 

Quaint and Historic 
Forts of North America 

By JOHN MARTIN HAMMOND, Author of “ Colonial Man- 
sions of Maryland and Delaware.” With photogravure frontis- 
piece and sixty-five illustrations. Ornamental cloth, gUt top, 
in a box. $5.00 net. 

This is an unique volume treating a phase of American 
history that has never before been presented. Mr. Ham- 
mond, in his excellent literary style with the aid of a 
splendid camera, brings us on a journey through the exist- 
ing old forts of North America and there describes their 
appearances and confides in us their romantic and historic 
interest. We follow the trail of the early English, French 
and Spanish adventurers, and the soldiers of the Revolu- 
tion, the War of 1812 and the later Civil and Indian Wars. 
We cover the entire country from Quebec and Nova Scotia 
to California and Florida, with a side trip to Havana to 
appreciate the weird romance of the grim Morro Castle. 
Here is something new and unique. 


The Magic of Jewels and Charms 

By GEORGE FREDERICK KUNZ, A.M., PH.D., D.SC. 
With numerous plates in color, doubletone and line. Deco- 
rated cloth, gilt top, in a box. $5.00 net. Half morocco, $10.00 
net. Uniform in style and size with “The Curious Lore of 
Precious Stones.” The two volumes in a box, $10.00 net. 

It will probably be a new and surely a fascinating sub- 
ject to which Dr. Kunz introduces the reader. The most 
primitive savage and the most highly developed Cauca- 
sian find mystic meanings, symbols, sentiments and, above 
all, beauty in jewels and precious stones; it is of this magic 
lore that the distinguished author tells us. In past ages 
there has grown up a great literature upon the subject — 
books in every language from Icelandic to Siamese, from 
Sanskrit to Irish — the lore is as profound and interesting 
as one can imagine. In this volume you will find the 
unique information relating to the magical influence which 
precious stones, amulets and crystals have been supposed 
to exert upon individuals and events. 

The Civilization of Babylonia 
and Assyria 

By MORRIS JASTROW, JR., PH.D., LL.D. 140 illustrations. 
Octavo. Cloth, gilt top, in a box, $6.00 net. 

This work covers the whole civilization of Babylonia 
and Assyria, and by its treatment of the various aspects 
of that civilization furnishes a comprehensive and com- 
plete survey of the subject. The language, histor)^, 
religion, commerce, law, art and literature are thoroughly 
presented in a manner of deep interest to the general 
reader and indispensable to historians, clergymen, anthro- 
pologists and sociologists. The volume is elaborately 
illustrated and the pictures have been selected with the 
greatest care so as to show every aspect of this civilization,! 
which alone disputes with that of Egypt, the fame of 
being the oldest in the world. For Bible scholars the 
comparisons with Hebrew traditions and records will have 
intense interest. 


English Ancestral Homes of 
Noted Americans 

By ANNE HOLLINGSWORTH WHARTON, Author of “ In 
Chateau Land,” etc., etc. 28 illustrations. i2mo. Cloth $2.00 
net. Half morocco, $4.00 net. 

^ Miss Wharton so enlivens the past that she makes the 
distinguished characters of whom she treats live and talk 
with us. She has recently visited the homelands of a num- 
ber of our great American leaders and we seem to see upon 
their native heath the English ancestors of George Wash- 
ington, Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, the Pilgrim 
Fathers and Mothers, the Maryland and Virginia Cava- 
liers and others who have done their part in the making 
of the United States. Although this book is written in an 
entertaining manner, and with many anecdotes and by- 
paths to charm the reader, it is a distinct addition to the 
literature of American history and will make a superb gift 
for the man or woman who takes pride in his or her library. 

Heroes and Heroines of Fiction 

Classical, Mediaeval and Legendary 

By WILLIAM S. WALSH. Half morocco. Reference Libr^ 
style, $3.00 net. Uniform with “ Heroes and Heroines of Fic- 
tion, Modem Prose and Poetry.” The two volumes in a box, 
$6.00 net. 

The fact that the educated men of to-day are not as 
familiar with the Greek and Roma >. classics as were their 
fathers gives added value to Mr. Walsh’s fascinating com- 
pilation. He gives the name and cetting of all the any- 
wise important characters in the literature of classical, 
mediaeval and legendary times. To one who is accustomed 
to read at all widely, it will be found of the grea"-est assist- 
ance and benefit; to one who writes it will be invaluable. 
These books comprise a complete encyclopedia of inter- 
esting, valuable and curious facts regarding all the char- 
acters of any note whatever in literature. This is the 
latest addition to the world-famous Lippincott’s Readers’ 
Reference Library. Each volume, as published, has be- 
come a standard part of public and private libraries. 


A Wonderful Story of Heroism 

The Home of the Blizzard 

By SIR DOUGLAS MAWSON. Two volumes. 315 remark- 
able photographs. 16 colored plates, drawings, plans, maps, etc. 
8vo. $9.00 net. 

Have you heard Sir Douglas lecture.? If you have, you 
will want to read this book that you may become better 
acquainted with his charming personality, and to preserve 
in the three hundred and fifteen superb illustrations with 
the glittering text, a permanent record of the greatest 
battle that has ever been waged against the wind, the 
snow, the crevice ice and the prolonged darkness of over 
two years in Antarctic lands. 

It has been estimated by critics as the most interesting 
and the greatest account of Polar Exploration. For in- 
stance, the London Athenaeum, an authority, said: ‘‘No 
polar book ever written has surpassed these volumes in 
sustained interest or in the variety of the subject matter.” 
It is indeed a tale of pluck, heroism and infinite endurance 
that comes as a relief in the face of accounts of the same 
qualities sacrificed in Europe for a cause so less worthy. 

To understand “courage” you must read the author’s 
account of his terrific struggle alone in the blizzard, — an 
eighty-mile fight in a hurricane snow with his two com- 
panions left dead behind him. 

The wild life in the southern seas is multitudinous; whole 
armies of dignified penguins were caught with the camera; 
bluff old sea-lions and many a strange bird of this new 
continent were so tame that they could be easily ap- 
proached. For the first time actual colored photographs 
bring to us the flaming lights of the untrodden land. They 
are unsurpassed in any other work. 

These volumes will be a great addition to your library; 
whether larg»t or small, literary or scientific, they are an 
inspiration, a delight to read. 


Heart’s Content 

By RALPH HENRY BARBOUR. Illustrations in color by 
H. Weston Taylor. Page Decorations by Edward Stratton Hollo- 
way. Handsome cloth binding. In sealed packet. $1.50 net. 

This is the tale of a summer love affair carried on by an 
unusual but altogether bewitching lover in a small summer 
resort in New England. Allan Shortland, a gentleman, 
a tramp, a poet, and withal the happiest of happy men, 
is the hero; Beryl Vernon, as pretty as the ripple of her 
name, is the heroine. Two more appealing personalities 
are seldom found within the covers of a book. Fun and 
plenty of it, romance and plenty of it, — and an end full 
of happiness for the characters, and to the reader regret 
that the story is over. The illustrations by H. Weston 
Taylor, the decorations by Edward Stratton Holloway and 
the tasteful sealed package are exquisite. 

A New Volume tn THE STORIES 
ALL CHILDREN LOVE SERIES 

Heidi 

By JOHANNA SPYRI. Translated by ELISABETH P. 
STORK. Introduction by Charles Wharton Stork. With eight 
illustrations in color by Maria L. Kirk. 8vo. $1.25 net. 

This is the latest addition to the Stories All Children 
Love Series. The translation of the classic story^ has 
been accomplished in a marvellously simple and direct 
fashion, — it is a high example of the translator’s art. 
American children should be as familiar with it as they 
are with ‘‘Swiss Family Robinson,” and we feel certain 
that on Christmas Day joy will be brought to the 
nurseries in which this book is a present. The illustra- 
tions by Maria L. Kirk are of the highest calibre, — the 
color, freshness and fantastic airiness present just the 
spark to kindle the imagination of the little tots. 


HEWLETT'S GREATEST WORK: 
Romance, Satire and a German 

The Little Iliad 

By MAURICE HEWLETT. Colored frontispiece by Edward 

Burne-Jones. i2nio. $1.35 net. 

A “Hewlett” that you and every one else will enjoy! 
It combines the rich romance of his earliest work with the 
humor, freshness and gentle satire of his more recent. 

The whimsical, delightful novelist has dipped his pen 
in the inkhorn of modern matrimonial difficulties and 
brings it out dripping with amiable humor, delicious but 
fantastic conjecture. Helen of Troy lives again in the 
Twentieth Century, but now of Austria; beautiful, be- 
witching, love-compelling, and with it all married to a 
ferocious German who has drained the cup and is now 
squeezing the dregs of all that life has to offer. He has 
locomotor ataxia but that does not prevent his Neitschean 
will from dominating all about him, nor does it prevent 
Maurice Hewlett from making him one of the most inter- 
esting and portentous characters portrayed by the hand 
of an Englishman in many a day. Four brothers fall in 
love with the fair lady, — there are amazing but happy 
consequences. The author has treated an involved story 
in a delightful, naive and refreshing manner. 

The Sea-Hawk 

By RAPHAEL SABATINI. i2mo. Cloth. $1.25 net. 

Sabatini has startled the reading public with this mag- 
nificent romance! It is a thrilling treat to find a vivid, 
clean-cut adventure yarn. Sincere in this, we beg you, 
brothers, fathers, husbands and comfortable old bachelors, 
to read this tale and even to hand it on to your friends of 
the fairer sex, provided you are certain that they do not 
mind the glint of steel and the chrieks of dying captives. 


The Man From the 
Bitter Roots 

By CAROLINE LOCKHART. 3 illustrations in color by Gayle 
Hoskins. i2nio. $1.25 net. 

“Better than ‘Me-Smith” — that is the word of those 
who have read this story of the powerful, quiet, competent 
Bruce Burt. You recall the humor of “Me-Smith,” — 
wait until you read the wise sayings of Uncle Billy and 
the weird characters of the Hinds Hotel. You recall some 
of those flashing scenes of “Me-Smith’^ — wait until you 
read of the blizzard in the Bitter Roots, of Bruce Burt 
throwing the Mexican wrestling champion, of the reckless 
feat of shooting the Roaring River with the dynamos upon 
the rafts, of the day when Bruce Burt almost killed a man 
who tried to burn out his power plant, — then you will 
know what hair-raising adventures really are. The tale 
is dramatic from the first great scene in that log cabin 
in the mountains when Bruce Burt meets the murderous 
onslaught of his insane partner. 

A Man^s Hearth 

By ELEANOR M. INGRAM. Illustrated in color by Edmtmd 
Frederick. i2mo. $1.25 net. 

The key words to all Miss Ingram’s stories are “fresh- 
ness,” “speed” and “vigor.” “From the Car Behind” 
was aptly termed “one continuous joy ride.” “A Man’s 
Hearth” has all the vigor and go of the former story and 
also a heart interest that gives a wider appeal. A young 
New York millionaire, at odds with his family, finds his 
solution in working for and loving the optimistic nurse- 
maid who brought him from the depths of trouble and 
made for him a hearthstone. There are fascinating side 
issues but this is the essential story and it is an inspiring 
one. It will be one of the big books of the winter. 


By the author of ^''MARCIA SCHUYLER" 
'HO! MICHAEL" "THE BEST MAN" etc. 

The Obsession of Victoria Gracen 

By GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL LUTZ. Illustrated in color. 
i2mo. $1.25 net. 

Every mother, every church-worker, every individual 
who desires to bring added happiness into the lives of 
others should read this book. A new novel by the author 
of “Marcia Schuyler” is always a treat for those of us 
who want clean, cheerful, uplifting fiction of the sort that 
you can read with pleasure, recommend with sincerity and 
remember with thankfulness. This book has the exact 
touch desired. The story is of the effect that an orphan 
boy has upon his lonely aunt, his Aunt Vic. Her obsession 
is her love for the lad and his happiness. There is the 
never-failing fund of fun and optimism with the high 
religious purpose that appears in all of Mrs. Lutz’s excel- 
lent stories. 

Miranda 

By GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL LUTZ. Illustrated in color 
by E. L. Henry. i2mo. $1.25 net. 

Nearly all of us fell in love with Miranda when she first 
appeared in “Marcia Schuyler,” but those who missed 
that happiness will now find her even more lovable in 
this new book of which she is the central figure. From 
cover to cover it is a tale of optimism, of courage, of 
purpose. You lay it down with a revivified spirit, a 
stronger heart for the struggle of this world, a clearer 
hope for the next, and a determination to make yourself 
and the people with whom you come in contact cleaner, 
more spiritual, more reverent than ever before. It is 
deeply religious in character: a novel that will bring the 
great spiritual truths of God, character and attainment 
straight to the heart of every reader. 


'^GRIPPING” DETECTIVE TALES 


The White Alley 

By CAROLYN WELLS. Frontispiece. z2mo. $1.25 net. 

FLEMING STONE, the ingenious American detective, 
has become one of the best known characters in modern 
fiction. He is the supreme wizard of crime detection in 
the WHITE BIRCHES MYSTERY told in,— “THE 
WHITE ALLEY.’’ 

The Boston Transcript says: “As an incomparable 
solver of criminal enigmas. Stone is in a class by himself. 
A tale which will grip the attention.” This is what 
another says : — “ Miss Wells’s suave and polished detective, 
Fleming Stone, goes through the task set for him with 
celerity and dispatch. Miss Wells’s characteristic humor 
and cleverness mark the conversations .” — NewYork Times, 

The Woman in the Car 

By RICHARD MARSH. i2mo. $1.35 net. 

Do you like a thrilling tale? If so, read this one and 
we almost guarantee that you will not stir from your chair 
until you turn the last page. As the clock struck midnight 
on one of the most fashionable streets of London in the 
Duchess of Ditchling’s handsome limousine, ArthurTowzer, 
millionaire mining magnate, is found dead at the wheel, 
horribly mangled. Yes, this is a tale during the reading 
of which you will leave your chair only to turn up the 
gas. When you are not shuddering, you are thinking; 
your wits are balanced against the mind and system of 
the famous Scotland, Yard, the London detective head- 
quarters. The men or women who can solve the mystery 
without reading the last few pages will deserve a reward, — 
they should apply for a position upon the Pinkerton force. 


THE NOVEL THEY’RE ALL TALKING ABOUT 

The Rose-Garden Husband 

By MARGARET WIDDEMER. Blustrated by Walter Biggs. 
Small i2mo. $1.00 net. 

‘‘A Benevolent Friend just saved me from missing ‘The 
Rose-Garden Husband.’ It is something for thanks- 
giving, so I send thanks to you and the author. The 
story is now cut out and stitched and in my collection 
of ‘ worth-while ’ stories, in a portfolio that holds only 
the choicest stories from many magazines. There is a 
healthy tone in this that puts it above most of these 
choice ones. And a smoothness of action, a reality of 
motive and speech that comforts the soul of a veteran 
reviewer.” From a Letter to the Publishers. 

Edition after edition of this novel has been sold, surely 
you are not going to miss it. It is going the circle of family 
after family, — every one likes it. The New York Times ^ 
a paper that knows, calls it “a sparkling, rippling little 
tale.” Order it now ^ — the cost is but one dollar. 

The Diary of a Beauty 

By MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL. Illustrated by William Dorr 
Steele. i2mo. $1.25 net. 

From the assistant postmistress in a small New England 
village to the owner of a great mansion on Fifth Avenue 
is the story told not as outsiders saw it, but as the beau- 
tiful heroine experiences it, — an account so naive, so 
deliciously cunning, so true, that the reader turns page 
after page with an inner feeling of absolute satisfaction. 

The Dusty Road 

By THERESE TYLER. Frontispiece by H. Weston Taylor. 
i2mo. $1.25 net. 

This is a remarkable story of depth and power, — the 
struggle of Elizabeth Anderson to clear herself of her 
sordid surroundings. Such books are not written every 
day, nor every year, nor every ten years. It is stimulating 
to a higher, truer life. 


RECENT VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS 


The Practical Book of Period 
Furniture 

Treating of English Period Furniture, and American Furniture 
of Colonial and Post-Colonial date, together with that of the 
typical French Periods. 

By HAROLD DONALDSON EBERLEIN and ABBOTT Mc- 
CLURE. With 225 illustrations in color, doubletone and line. 
Octavo. Handsomely decorated cloth. In a box. $5.00 net. 

This book places at the disposal of the general reader all 
the information he may need in order to identify and clas- 
sify any piece of period furniture, whether it be an original, 
or a reproduction. The authors have greatly increased 
the value of the work by adding an illustrated chrono- 
logical key by means of which the reader can distinguish 
the difference of detail between the various related 
periods. One cannot fail to find the book absorbingly 
interesting as well as most useful. 

The Practical Book of Oriental Rugs 

By DR. G. GRIFFIN LEWIS, Author of « The Mystery of the 
Oriental Rug.” New Edition, revised and enlarged. 20 full- 
page illustrations in full color. 93 illustrations in doubletone. 
70 designs in line. Folding chart of rug characteristics and a 
map of the Orient. Octavo. Handsomely bound. In a box. 
$5.00 net. 

Have you ever wished to be able to judge, understand, 
and appreciate the characteristics of those gems of Eastern 
looms.? This is the book that you have been waiting for, 
as all that one needs to know about oriental rugs is pre- 
sented to the reader in a most engaging manner with illus- 
trations that almost belie description. “From cover to 
cover it is packed with detailed information compactly 
and conveniently arranged for ready reference. Many 
people who are interested in the beautiful fabrics of which 
the author treats have long wished for such a book as 
this and will be grateful to G. Griffin Lewis for writing it.” 
—The Dial 


The Practical Book of Outdoor 

NEW EDITION 
REVISED AND ENLARGED 


Rose Growing 


By GEORGE C. THOMAS, JR. Elaborately illustrated with 
96 perfect photographic reproductions in full color of all varieties 
of roses and a few half tone plates. Octavo. Handsome cloth 
binding, in a slip case. $4.00 net. 


This work has caused a sensation among rose growers, 
amateurs and professionals. In the most practical and 
easily understood way the reader is told just how to propa- 
gate roses by the three principal methods of cutting, 
budding and grafting. There are a number of pages in 
which the complete list of the best roses for our climate 
with their characteristics are presented. One prominent 
rose grower said that these pages were worth their weight 
in gold to him. The official bulletin of the Garden Club 
of America said; — “It is a book one must have.’’ It is 
in fact in every sense practical, stimulating, and suggestive. 


The Practical Book of Garden 
Architecture 

By PHEBE WESTCOTT HUMPHREYS. Frontispiece in color 
and 125 illustrations from actual examples of garden archi- 
tecture and house surroimdings. Octavo. In a box. $5.00 net. 

This beautiful volume has been prepared from the 
standpoints of eminent practicability, the best taste, and 
general usefulness for the owner developing his own prop- 
erty, — large or small, for the owner employing a profes- 
sional garden architect, for the artist, amateur, student, 
and garden lover. The author has the gift of inspiring 
enthusiasm. Her plans are so practical, so artistic, so 
beautiful, or so quaint and pleasing that one cannot resist 
the appeal of the book, and one is inspired to make plans, 
simple or elaborate; for stone and concrete work to embel- 
lish the garden. 


Handsome Art Works of Joseph Pennell 

The reputation of the eminent artist is ever upon the 
increase. His books are sought by all who wish their 
libraries to contain the best in modern art. Here is your 
opportunity to determine upon the purchase of three of 
his most sought-after volumes. 

Joseph Pennell’s Pictures of the Panama Canal 

(Fifth printing) 28 reproductions of lithographs made on the 
Isthmus of Panama between January and March, 1912, with 
Mr. Pennell’s Introduction giving his experiences and impres- 
sions, and a full description of each picture. Volume x 10 
inches. Beautifully printed on dull finished paper. Lithograph 
by Mr. Pennell on cover. $1.25 net. 

“Mr. Pennell continues in this publication the fine work 
which has won for him so much deserved popularity. He 
does not merely portray the technical side of the work, but 
rather prefers the human element .’’ — American Art News. 

Our Philadelphia 

By ELIZABETH ROBINS PENNELL. Illustrated by Joseph 
Pennell. Regular Edition. Containing 105 reproductions of 
lithographs by Joseph Pennell. Quarto. x 10 inches. 552 
pages. Handsomely bound in red buckram. Boxed. $7.50 net. 
Autograph Edition. Limited to 289 copies (Now very scarce). 
Contains 10 drawings, reproduced by a new lithograph process, in 
addition to the illustrations that appear in the regular edition. Quarto. 
552 pages. Specially bound in genuine English linen buckram in 
City colors, in cloth covered box. $18.00 net. 

An intimate personal record in text and in picture of 
the lives of the famous author and artist in a city with a 
brilliant history, great beauty, immense wealth. 

Life of James McNeill Whistler 

By ELIZABETH ROBINS and JOSEPH PENNELL. Thor- 
oughly revised Fifth Edition of the authorized Life, with much 
new matter added which was not available at the time of issue 
of the elaborate 2 volume edition, now out of print. Fully 
illustrated with 97 plates reproduced from Whistler’s works. 
Crown octavo. 450 pages. Whistler binding, deckle edges. 
$3.50 net. Three-quarter grain levant, $7.50 net. 

“In its present form and with the new illustrations, 
some of which present to us works which are unfamiliar 
to us, its popularity will be greatly increased.” — Inter- 
national Studio. 


The Stories All Children Love Series 

This set of books for children comprises some of the most 
famous stories ever written. Each book has been a tried and 
true friend in thousands of homes where there are boys and 
girls. Fathers and mothers remembering their own delight 
in the stories are finding that this handsome edition of old 
favorites brings even more delight to their children. The 
books have been carefully chosen, are beautifully illus- 
trated, have attractive lining papers, dainty head and tail 
pieces, and the decorative bindings make them worthy of 
a permanent place on the library shelves. 

TT • J- By JOHANNA SPYRI. 
nClQl Translated by Elisabeth P. Stork. 

The Cuckoo Clock By mrs. molesworth. 
The Swiss Family Robinson g. I*mittW 
The Princess and the Goblin macd^onaux 
T he Princess and Curdie macdo^^ix 
A t the Back of the North Wind macdotwux 
A Dog of Flanders By “ouida.” 

Bimbi By“ODIDA.” 

Mopsa, the Fairy By jean ingelow. 

The Chronicles of Fairyland By Fergus hume. 
Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales 

Each large octavo, with from 8 to 12 colored illustrations. 
Handsome cloth binding, decorated in gold and color. 
$1.25 net, per volume. 


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